- This topic is empty.
Viewing 1 post (of 1 total)
-
Posts
-
Seven Chinese nationals and their company’s conviction for 160 offences WRITTEN BY RONELLE SNYDERS
The seven Chinese nationals along with their company who are on trial for human trafficking and child labour were finally convicted on 160 charges in the Gauteng South Divisional Court in Johannesburg on 25 February 2025.
Justice J Mhango said it was common for the accused to be in charge of Beautiful City and the management of its operations; that the factory employed foreigners – mainly Malawians; that a number of employees suffered injuries while operating at Beautiful City; that the Malawians were in the Republic of South Africa illegally; that employees worked at the factory from Monday to Sunday and that it paid wages below the National Minimum Wage (NMW) which is a statutory requirement in the country.
The Chinese in the trial are: Kevin Tsao Shu-Uei, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian. The accused are on trial on schedule six offences.
The Chinese were convicted for failing to register with the Compensation Fund and declare their activities; failed to keep records of their earnings; failed to file their return on earnings; failed to pay and declare assessments; failed to maintain a safe workplace; failed to report incidents; failed to register and register their company and employees with the Commissioner of the Unemployment Insurance Fund; failed to inform the Commissioner of Unemployment Insurance of changes.
They were convicted of human trafficking; aiding/facilitating human trafficking; slavery; benefit from victims of human trafficking and assistance to illegal people to stay in South Africa.
The seven criminals were arrested on 12 November 2019 in a joint operation carried out at their premises, Beautiful City Pty Ltd, at Village Deep in Johannesburg. They were arrested during the joint raid carried out by the Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch together with the South African Police Service (SAPS)/Hawks Unit and the Department of Home Affairs.
Illegal immigrants were found on the premises during the joint operation, some of whom were minors working under horrific conditions and who were being held on the premises of Beautiful City. The factory produced cotton fiber sheets.
Proceedings were delayed earlier in the morning because the defence, through his legal counsel J. Kruger, objected to the trial being broadcast live by television stations. Defense argued that the television of the trial would infringe on the rights of the defendants. According to him, the accused also requested to contact the Chinese embassy.
Prosecutor Valencia Dube said the case was in the public interest and a precedent was set when media were allowed during the bail hearing in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.
Gauteng’s provincial chief inspector of the Department of Employment and Labour, advocate Michael Msiza, said the ruling was a landmark ruling for labour laws. He said the ruling sends a strong message to those who continue to employ illegal immigrants, that illegality will not be tolerated.
All the accused are in custody except for number six, Dai Junying who is still out on bail and has been detained outside on medical grounds. Sentencing proceedings will resume on 7 March 2025
SOURCE:Seven Chinese citizens and their company’s conviction for 160 offences – People’s Power News
Viewing 1 post (of 1 total)
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.