The defence in the matter of seven Chinese nationals who were arrested last November for alleged human trafficking and violation of South Africa’s labour laws has filed for access to transcripts to lodge another bail attempt.
Jan Kruger, the lawyer representing the accused told the Johannesburg Magistrate Court today (May 5) that the defence has new evidence to submit before the Court.
The seven accused are: Kevin Tsao, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian.
On 20 March 2020 the seven accused were denied bail in the long-drawn hearing.
The Chinese nationals were arrested for allegedly running an illegal enterprise called Beautiful City (Pty) Ltd located at Village Deep in Johannesburg.
The seven Chinese nationals - four males and three females were arrested on 12 November 2019 in a joint operation conducted by the Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch in Gauteng together with the South African Police Services (SAPS), Home Affairs and the Hawks Unit. The arrests followed a tip-off that the Chinese nationals were allegedly involved in the trafficking of illegal immigrants into South Africa and subjecting them to forced labour.
During the blitz 91 Malawian nationals were found in the factory, 37 of them were children.
During the bail hearing the Court heard that the Malawians working in the factory were transported to South Africa using containers. The Malawians are alleged to have been brought to South Africa by a middleman known as “the transporter” who is still on the run.
The Chinese factory was allegedly processing the inner cotton of blankets using recycled clothing. It is alleged that the company’s operations were carried out behind closed high steel gates with access strictly controlled by employers.
In an affidavit submitted by the SAPS/Hawks in Court, the authorities intend to charge the accused with schedule six offences. The accused will face charges ranging from human trafficking, debt bondage, kidnapping and pointing of a firearm. The Department of Employment and Labour has since joined in the matter to press for the prosecution of the accused for violating South Africa’s labour laws.
Magistrate Basimane Molwana has remanded the accused in custody. The accused will appear again in Court on 14 May 2020.
For more information contact:
Teboho Thejane
epartmental Spokesperson
82 697 0694
