Seven Chinese nationals have been sentenced to 20 years in prison each for smuggling Malawians into South Africa and forcing them into hard labour.
The group four men and three women were found guilty of kidnapping, human trafficking, and breaking labour laws. Their names are Kevin Tsao, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian. They were convicted on 158 of 160 charges.
Horrific Conditions at Johannesburg Factory
Authorities discovered the crimes nearly six years ago during a raid at a factory in Johannesburg called Beautiful City. Inside, they found 91 Malawian workers, including 37 children.
Workers were forced to work 11-hour shifts, seven days a week. Many had no safety equipment or proper training. They were paid far below South Africa’s minimum wage of $1.64 per hour. Employees could even lose pay if they asked for time off.
One worker said they were not allowed to leave the factory, even to buy food. The conditions were described as dirty and inhumane.
Smuggling and Exploitation
The victims were smuggled into South Africa in shipping containers. Kevin Tsao managed the factory, while the others acted as supervisors. The factory produced inner cotton for blankets using recycled materials.
Authorities said the group also helped illegal immigrants stay in the country and failed to keep proper work records.
Government Response
South Africa’s Department of Labour and prosecutors welcomed the sentence. “Human trafficking has become a scourge in our country,” said spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane. “South Africa is a source, transit, and destination for traffickers due to porous borders.”
The sentence is seen as a strong deterrent. Officials hope it will help protect vulnerable workers and reduce labour exploitation.
