Justice and Labour ministries hail harsh sentences in human trafficking conviction
Seven Chinese nationals appeared at the South Gauteng High Court on Wednesday, where they were sentenced to 20 years in prison each for human trafficking, kidnapping, and forced labor
Image: X/DmJomo
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development, along with the Ministry of Employment and Labour, has welcomed the sentencing of seven Chinese nationals by Acting Judge David Mhango in the Gauteng South Division of the High Court of South Africa on Wednesday.
The foreigners were found guilty of 160 charges, including human trafficking, child labour, kidnapping, and multiple violations of labour laws. Each of the seven individuals received 20-year prison sentences, with additional terms for specific offences:
20 years for 11 counts of human trafficking,
10 years for kidnapping,
5 years for debt bondage,
And a R300,000 fine imposed on the company, Beautiful City (Pty) Ltd.
All accused were declared unfit to possess firearms, and maximum sentences were handed down for labour law violations.
In his judgment, Judge Mhango highlighted the severity of the crimes, describing human trafficking, kidnapping, and bonded labour as some of the most serious offences before the courts. The convicted individuals had been operating an illegal factory under the name Beautiful City (Pty) Ltd in Village Deep, Johannesburg.
Their arrest followed a joint raid conducted on November 12, 2019, led by the Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES), in collaboration with the South African Police Service’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and the Department of Home Affairs, following a tip-off.
During the raid, officials found 91 Malawian nationals, including children, working and living in inhumane conditions. Some victims were as young as 14 years old and had been smuggled into South Africa in shipping containers. Workers were undocumented, forced to work seven days a week, paid below the minimum wage, and some sustained serious injuries while working in the factory.
Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, praised the collaborative efforts of all involved departments and agencies.
“This successful operation underscores the power of government collaboration. It sends a strong message to those engaging in exploitative practices and violating labour laws,” said Meth.
Echoing her sentiments, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, applauded the National Prosecuting Authority and the South African Police Service for their dedication in pursuing justice.
“This case is a victory in the fight against human trafficking. It demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement in dismantling trafficking networks,” she said.
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, also emphasized the role of the National Intersectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons (NICTIP), which coordinates the country’s anti-trafficking efforts across government, law enforcement, civil society, and international partners.
“Trafficking in persons is a brutal form of modern-day slavery. Human beings are not commodities. Strong sentences like these serve as a deterrent and a clear warning that exploitation will not go unpunished,” said Nel.