Seven Chinese nationals convicted of kidnapping and forced labour. Image: Pixabay.
(The Post News)– Seven Chinese nationals appeared before the High Court in Johannesburg on Friday. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) pledged to seek a life sentence for the Chinese nationals.
They were found guilty on 158 out of 160 charges related to human trafficking and forced labor involving 91 Malawian nationals. Kevin Tsao, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian were convicted in March for trafficking illegal immigrants into South Africa and subjecting them to forced labor.
In 2019, the Hawks raided a factory in Village Deep, Johannesburg, operated by a company called Beautiful City Pty Ltd. They discovered Malawian nationals, mostly illegal immigrants, including minors, working in appalling conditions without overtime pay or leave. The premises lacked proper safety measures, and workers were paid as little as R65 per day.
On Thursday, the probation officers presented their pre-sentencing report before the court, and the purpose of the reports was to assist the court in imposing appropriate sentences. The pre-sentencing reports mainly focused on the upbringing, health and psycho-social status, educational background, and social and emotional skills, among others, and concluded with recommendations.
One of the probation officers in the matter argued before the court that the sentencing should consider the seriousness of harm and culpability of the offender. The officers argued that there were other alternative sentences to consider, such as correctional supervision, suspended sentences, and fines; however, given the severity of the charges, these would be inappropriate.Two of the accused (one and two) have previous convictions.
The Chinese nationals were found guilty of violating South Africa’s labor laws by not registering with the Compensation Fund and declaring their operations; failure to keep records of their earnings; failure to submit their return on earnings; failure to pay and declare assessments; failure to maintain a safe workplace; failure to report incidents; failure to register and declare with the Unemployment Insurance Fund Commissioner; and failure to inform the Commissioner on Unemployment Insurance changes.
They were also found guilty of human trafficking, aiding/facilitating human trafficking, bondage, benefiting from victims of human trafficking, and assisting illegal immigrants to remain in South Africa.
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