Seven Chinese nationals convicted of human trafficking and breaking labour laws in South Africa

 Seven Chinese nationals and their company, Beautiful City (Pty) Ltd, were convicted by the Johannesburg High Court on Tuesday, February 25, for a series of crimes, including human trafficking, following a raid on their factory in the Village Deep area of Johannesburg several years ago. 

 

The accused faced 158 charges, including violations of labour laws, occupational health and safety regulations, and human trafficking offences, according to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.

 

The convicted individuals, identified as Shu-Uei Tsao, 42, Biao Ma, Hui Chen, 50, Quin Li, 56, Zhou Jiaquing, 46, Junying Dai, 58, and Zhilian Zhang, 51, were found responsible for running an illegal factory that produced cotton-fiber sheets. The operation came to light after a police tip-off led to a raid on the premises.

 

Investigations revealed that between 2017 and 2019, the accused employed 91 undocumented Malawian workers, including 16 minors aged 14 to 16. Upon arrival at the factory, the workers were subjected to inhumane conditions, including confinement to the premises, where armed guards controlled their movements. They were forced to work 11-hour shifts, seven days a week, without adequate training or safety equipment.

 

State advocate Valencia Dube presented evidence during the trial, including testimonies from former employees who had been recruited under false pretences. The workers, mostly Malawian nationals and one South African truck driver described being promised a better life but faced brutal working conditions instead. 

 

They were transported in windowless trucks to the factory, where they were not allowed to leave. Workers were prohibited from bringing food, communication was banned, and they were forced to operate faulty machinery without protective gear, resulting in accidents. One worker lost a finger and was denied medical care. The factory was heavily guarded, with a high wall, razor fence, and armed security, creating an atmosphere of extreme control and exploitation.

 

Judge David Mhango ruled that the accused were liable for the offences, and the NPA welcomed the conviction, praising law enforcement's efforts in tackling organized crime and human trafficking cases.