Seven Chinese nationals convicted of human trafficking to be sentenced Friday

The Johannesburg High Court will hand down sentencing on Friday in the case of seven Chinese nationals convicted on 160 charges related to human trafficking and child labor.

The accused—Kevin Tsao Shu-Uei, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian—were found guilty on 25 February 2025 of a range of serious Schedule 6 offences.

They face multiple charges including aiding and facilitating human trafficking, bondage, benefiting from the exploitation of victims, and assisting illegal immigrants to remain in South Africa.

The case stems from a high-profile raid conducted in November 2024 on a factory in Village Deep, Johannesburg, operated under the company name Beautiful City (PTY) LTD, represented in court by all seven accused.

Police had received a tip-off about the factory illegally employing foreign nationals. The raid led to the rescue of 37 Mozambican nationals—including minors under the age of 17—who had been smuggled into the country in shipping containers and forced to live and work under inhumane conditions.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the victims were subjected to harsh and illegal working environments. They were forced to work 11-hour shifts, seven days a week, without protective equipment or adequate rest. Many suffered injuries from operating unsafe machinery.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane,  said the victims were confined to the premises under inhumane conditions, with armed guards controlling their movements.

It’s understood that the factory was heavily fortified with high walls, razor wire, and armed security, creating a prison-like environment. Testimonies from Malawian victims and a South African truck driver revealed that workers were transported in windowless trucks, banned from using phones, and lured with false promises of better opportunities.

Senior State Advocate, Valencia Dube, led evidence from several Malawian nationals and a South African truck driver who testified they had been lured to the factory with false promises of better opportunities.

Five probation officers submitted pre-sentencing reports, including Antoinette Mkhari, who assessed the first accused—identified as the factory’s manager and supervisor. She told the court she does not believe the accused is capable of rehabilitation.

Judge David Mhango ruled that the State had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, holding all seven accountable for gross violations of labour laws and the exploitation of vulnerable people.

The accused will be back in court on Friday, to learn their fate.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe