The trial of seven Chinese nationals arrested for alleged human trafficking and child labour has been postponed to next year because the Mandarin interpreter has taken ill.
However, the State and the defense have agreed to meet earlier if circumstances permit.
The seven Chinese accused are Kevin Tsao Shu-Uei, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian. They are facing schedule six offenses which include trafficking in persons, contravention of Immigration Act, kidnapping, pointing a firearm, debt bondage, benefitting from the services of a victim of trafficking, conduct that facilitates trafficking, illegally assisting person(s) to remain in South Africa, and failure to comply with duties of an employer.
In October the accused made a dramatic U-turn and in a written statement read by their attorney Jannie Kruger they made an admission of guilt for violation of several South Africa’s labour laws. However, the other charges still stand and they will continue to face trial on those.
The accused were arrested for allegedly running an illegal enterprise called Beautiful City Pty Ltd located at Village Deep in Johannesburg in a joint operation by the Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) together with the South African Police Services (SAPS) Hawk Unit and the Department of Home Affairs.
The Chinese factory was allegedly processing the inner cotton of blankets using recycled clothing. The accused have pleaded not guilty to the other charges. They are expected back in court on 28 March 2022.
Media enquiries:
Musa Zondi
Acting Departmental Spokesperson
067 426 4190 or musa.zondi@labour.gov.za
