Seven Chinese nationals found guilty of human trafficking and forced labour

GAUTENG – The High Court in Johannesburg has convicted seven Chinese nationals and their company on numerous charges related to crimes committed at Village Deep in Johannesburg. The accused faced 160 charges, including offences such as human trafficking, labour law violations, and breaches of occupational health and safety regulations.

The accused included Shu-Uei Tsao (42), Biao Ma, Hui Chen (50), Quin Li (56), Zhou Jiaquing (46), Junying Dai (58), Zhilian Zhang (51), and Beautiful City (PTY) LTD represented by accused one to seven. The police received a tip-off about an illegal factory employing foreign nationals, prompting them to conduct a raid.

Following the raid, Captain Modibo and Warrant Officer Lulama Kona led an investigation which revealed that between 2017 and 2019, the accused operated Beautiful City (PTY) LTD and employed 91 undocumented Malawian nationals, including 16 minors aged between 14 and 16, violating South African laws.

According to the police’s account, the victims were confined to the premises under inhumane conditions, with armed guards controlling their movements. The victims were forced to work 11-hour shifts, seven days a week, without proper training or safety equipment.

Senior State Advocate Valencia Dube presented further evidence, calling several Beautiful City employees, mostly Malawian nationals, and one South African truck driver, who testified about being deceived into working at the factory with promises of a better life.

Many had previously worked at Chinese-owned factories and were recruited under false pretences. The victims described harsh conditions, including being transported in windowless trucks to the factory, where they were not allowed to leave. They faced long hours with no breaks, were forced to work on holidays, and were prohibited from bringing in outside food. Personal communication was banned, and they were made to operate defective machines without protective gear, leading to accidents.

When handing down judgment, Judge David Mhango recounted the testimonies of some workers. One of them lost a finger and was denied medical care. It’s further reported that the factory had a high wall, razor fence, and armed security, and workers were often threatened with firearms and subjected to extreme control.

All but one of the accused were remanded in custody until sentencing on 7 March.