Seven Chinese nationals have been sentenced to 20 years each in prison for human trafficking and forced labor, marking a significant court case in South Africa that underscores ongoing issues with exploitation and illegal immigration.
The verdict was delivered by a South African court after the group was found guilty of smuggling Malawian nationals and subjecting them to harsh working conditions in an unregistered factory in Johannesburg.
The individuals—Kevin Tsao, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian—received their sentences following an investigation that revealed 91 undocumented Malawian immigrants working in appalling conditions, including 37 children.
This case began nearly six years ago when local authorities conducted a raid on the factory, known as Beautiful City, which produced blanket inner cottons using recycled material. Following an escape by one worker, authorities discovered that employees worked 11-hour shifts, seven days a week, for compensation that fell well below South Africa's minimum wage, with pay being docked for taking time off.
Testimonies revealed that workers were denied basic freedoms, such as leaving the factory premises even for food. Reports indicated that the factory was heavily guarded and operated without adherence to labor regulations.
South Africa is increasingly viewed as a hotspot for human trafficking, being categorized as a source, transit, and destination for traffickers. The nation's prosecuting authority has welcomed the sentences as a step toward combatting this issue, emphasizing collaboration across government sectors to address the root causes of human trafficking and exploitation.
Phindi Mjonondwane, the spokesperson for the prosecuting authority, stated: Human trafficking has become a scourge in our country, we have become a destination as South Africa for human trafficking due to various reasons, including our porous borders. The case's outcome is seen as crucial in the fight against such crimes and a call for increased awareness and action to protect vulnerable populations.
