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The seven Chinese nationals arrested last November for alleged human trafficking and violation of South Africa's labour laws yesterday (October 16) appeared for the first time in the Johannesburg High Court in preparation for a formal pre-trial.

The seven Chinese nationals arrested last November for alleged human trafficking and violation of South Africa's labour laws are: Kevin Tsao Shu-Uei, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian.

The matter was transferred last month to the Johannesburg High Court by Magistrate Basimane Molwana of the Johannesburg Magistrates Court.

The septet are out on a bail. The defence was yesterday also served with an indictment.

The accused are facing schedule six offences. The accused are expected to face charges ranging from human trafficking, violation of Immigration Act, debt bondage, kidnapping and pointing of a firearm. The Department of Employment and Labour has since joined in the matter to press for the prosecution of the accused for violating South Africa's labour laws.  

The seven accused appearing in the matter were arrested for allegedly running an illegal enterprise called Beautiful City Pty Ltd located at Village Deep in Johannesburg.

The seven Chinese - four males and three females were arrested on 12 November 2019 in a joint operation conducted by the Department of Employment and Labour's Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch in Gauteng together with the South African Police Services (SAPS), Department of Home Affairs and the Hawks Unit.

Their arrests followed a tip-off that the Chinese nationals were allegedly involved in the trafficking of illegal immigrants into South Africa and subjecting them to forced labour.

During the joint blitz 91 Malawian nationals were found in the factory, 37 of them were children. In their bail hearing the Court heard that the Malawians working in the Chinese factory were transported to South Africa using containers. The Malawians are alleged to have been brought to South Africa by a middleman known as “the transporter" who is still on the run.

The Chinese factory was allegedly processing the inner cotton of blankets using recycled clothing. It is alleged that the company's operations were carried out behind closed high steel gates with access strictly controlled by employers. Workers were also allegedly exposed to appalling working conditions without adhering to occupational health and safety.  

The accused are expected back in Court on 27 November 2020.   

Media enquiries:

Musa Zondi

Acting Departmental Spokesperson

067 426 4190

“Please continue adhering to the lockdown regulations. Wash hands or sanitise your hands regularly and wear your mask at all times."

-ENDS-

 Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

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