The Johannesburg High Court on Wednesday handed down 20-year prison sentences to seven Chinese nationals found guilty of human trafficking, child labour, and related offences, marking a significant victory in South Africa’s ongoing fight against exploitation.

The seven—Kevin Tsao Shu-Uei, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian—were convicted in February 2025 on 160 charges, including aiding trafficking, bondage, and benefiting from the exploitation of foreign nationals.

Judge David Mahango, who presided over the case, described the crimes as “a severe violation of labour and human rights laws, undermining the dignity of vulnerable individuals and children.” He added, “The court finds no mitigating circumstances sufficient to reduce these sentences. Human trafficking and child exploitation strike at the very heart of our society’s values and will be met with the full force of the law.”

Chaos erupted in court as the daughter of one of the accused—whose identity remains undisclosed—shouted that her mother and the other convicts had been framed. Brandishing her cellphone and pointing to a picture, she accused another individual, allegedly a factory owner in Bruma, east of Johannesburg, of being the “real boss” behind the operation.

She claimed that he maintained a gun shop and posed a threat to the convicted individuals. “They are all lying… The owner is right here in this country, and is still running business here,” she yelled. “We all thought this was a small problem. Nobody told us how serious this case was. The suspects thought they were going to be fine.”

The judge maintained order, emphasizing that the convictions were based on extensive evidence gathered by investigators.

The case began after a November 2024 raid on Beautiful City (PTY) LTD, a factory in Village Deep, Johannesburg. Police rescued 37 Mozambican nationals, including minors under 17, who had been smuggled into South Africa in shipping containers and forced to work in cramped, underfed, and abusive conditions. Investigators found that the factory operated as a legitimate business on the surface but was secretly a hub for forced labour.

Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Jomo Sibiya, attended the sentencing and welcomed the court’s decision. “Today, Acting Judge Mahango sentenced the seven Chinese nationals to direct imprisonment for 20 years each for human trafficking, child labour, and violation of various labour laws of the Republic of South Africa,” he said. “This sends a clear message: South Africa will not tolerate human trafficking or exploitation of vulnerable people.”

The investigation was led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (DPCI) Trafficking in Persons Unit, with support from the Serious Organised Crime Investigation team. Colonel Katlego Mogale, DPCI spokesperson, praised the meticulous work of the investigators. “The sentencing ensures that the perpetrators were held accountable. It reflects South Africa’s commitment to combating trafficking and protecting vulnerable communities,” Mogale said.

Authorities warned that investigations into other trafficking networks remain ongoing, emphasizing that the case highlights the need for vigilance against exploitative labour practices.

The sentencing comes amid growing public scrutiny of labour exploitation in South Africa, where trafficking networks have increasingly targeted foreign nationals. Legal experts noted that the convictions may set an important precedent for future human trafficking cases.

As the convicted individuals were led from the courtroom, families and journalists grappled with the emotional weight of the case. The daughter of one accused was escorted out after repeated interruptions, but the court’s message remained clear: human trafficking and child exploitation will face uncompromising consequences in South Africa.