Chinese Nationals Face Trial: Charges of Human Trafficking and Child Labour - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Chinese Nationals Face Trial: Charges of Human Trafficking and Child Labour

2 mins read
h u

Legal Representation Challenges

The trial of seven Chinese nationals charged with human trafficking and child labour has been delayed until Thursday, 21 September. This postponement allows the defendants time to secure funds for their legal representation. J. Kruger, the counsel for the accused, announced his intention to withdraw from the case due to non-payment by the main accused.

The defendants, Kevin Tsao Shu-Uei, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian, face schedule six offences. This postponement emphasizes the financial challenges faced by the accused and raises questions about the impact of such cases on securing legal representation.

The Johannesburg High Court (South Gauteng High Court) revealed that the first accused has not fulfilled his commitment to ensure payments for legal representation. Kruger warned the accused that he would withdraw from the case due to insufficient financial instruction. Kruger’s statement highlights the harsh reality that legal representation often relies on financial resources, even in cases with serious implications, such as human trafficking and child labour.

Bail Violations and Court Applications

During the upcoming court appearance, a judgment in a Section 66 application filed by the State against the second accused, Chen Hui, is expected. Chen Hui had been released on R55,000 bail but violated his bail conditions by attempting to leave the country. He also has a previous criminal record.

Section 66 of the Criminal Procedure Act enables the execution against movable property and allows the sale of immovable property in execution. This provision may have serious consequences for the accused, particularly if the court rules in favour of the State’s application.

The seven Chinese nationals were apprehended on 12 November 2019 during a joint operation involving the Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch, South African Police Services (SAPS)/Hawks Unit, and Department of Home Affairs. The operation resulted in the identification of illegal immigrants, including minors around 15 years old, working in appalling conditions at the premises of Beautiful City Pty Ltd, located in Village Deep, Johannesburg. Most of these immigrants were Malawian nationals, while others were Zimbabwean.

Case Details and Implications

The accused face multiple charges, including human trafficking, contravention of the Immigration Act, kidnapping, pointing a firearm, debt bondage, benefitting from the services of a trafficking victim, facilitating trafficking, illegally assisting individuals to remain in South Africa, and failure to comply with the duties of an employer.

Currently, Chen Hui (accused number 2) and Zhang Zhilian (accused number 7) are in custody for violating their bail conditions, while the other five are out on bail. The case was first heard at the Johannesburg Magistrates Court during bail hearings and later transferred to the Johannesburg High Court.

This trial provides an opportunity to explore the complexities surrounding human trafficking and child labour, particularly among vulnerable migrant populations. It is a stark reminder of the exploitation that occurs within the shadows of society and the urgency for legal systems to address such grave injustices.

Furthermore, the case emphasizes the financial challenges faced by defendants, which may impact their ability to secure appropriate legal representation. The potential withdrawal of the accused’s counsel due to non-payment highlights the need for a more equitable approach to legal representation in cases involving human trafficking and child labour, ensuring that both the accused and the victims receive a fair trial.

As the trial progresses, it remains to be seen how the court will navigate the myriad legal, ethical, and financial challenges inherent in cases of this nature. The outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for future efforts to combat human trafficking and child labour in South Africa and beyond.

Previous Story

Launching the Ninth Edition of Thusong Service Centre Week with Deputy Minister Kenny Morolong

Next Story

Innovating Municipal Service Delivery: Cape Town’s Mobile Office Initiative

Latest from Blog

A Clash of Community and Authority in Factreton

In Factreton, a fierce battle erupted between local residents and law enforcement over housing rights, laying bare deepseated tensions. City officials aimed to demolish homes in an informal settlement, but the community fought back, seeing these structures as crucial for their survival. Amidst the chaos, injuries were reported, including a tragic incident where a young boy was struck by a rubber bullet. Activists, including a professor who was arrested during the protests, highlighted the injustices faced by vulnerable populations, sparking a call for justice and change in a society grappling with its past. This struggle in Factreton symbolizes the ongoing fight for dignity, rights, and fair treatment in South Africa.

Navigating Controversies in Arts and Culture

The world of arts and culture is buzzing with debates about fairness and who gets to represent various voices. Recently, South African artist Ntsiki Mazwai accused Minister Gayton McKenzie of choosing media star Unathi Nkayi over more qualified artists for an important event, raising concerns about favoritism. McKenzie argued he aimed for better racial representation, sparking a clash between the ideas of talent and diversity. This controversy shows how tricky it is to balance merit and inclusion in the arts, inviting everyone to think about who should truly speak for a nation’s culture. In the end, these discussions are crucial for creating a fairer and more vibrant artistic world.

Cape Town’s Plight: A City Grappling with Violence

Cape Town is currently facing a heartbreaking wave of violence, with gangrelated shootings taking 17 lives in just a few weeks. Fear has gripped the neighborhoods, leading many residents to call for military help to restore safety. A tragic incident at a funeral turned into chaos when a gunman opened fire, showcasing the city’s urgent need for action. While police and community leaders are trying to address the crisis, many feel that more drastic measures are necessary to protect their families and heal their communities. Amidst this turmoil, local artists and organizations are working hard to bring hope and unity back to the streets.

Discovering Pretoria: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Nature

Pretoria is a beautiful South African city where history, culture, and nature come together. You can enjoy many affordable activities, like exploring the stunning gardens of the Union Buildings, visiting the touching Freedom Park, or relaxing in the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. Don’t miss the lively Hazel Food Market, where you can taste local treats, or Church Square, with its grand old buildings. For a taste of wildlife, take a selfdrive safari at Rietvlei Nature Reserve, where you can see rhinos and zebras while enjoying the great outdoors—all without spending much!

Cape Town’s Ambitious Real Estate Initiative

Cape Town is making a big move in real estate by selling the Vissershok site to the Morningstar Flyers Association. This exciting deal aims to boost aviation education and create jobs, turning the city into a buzzing aviation hub that helps local people. For nearly thirty years, the Flyers Association has trained pilots and supported young people, offering them a chance to build careers in aviation. The sale will allow them to improve their facilities and expand their programs, providing even more opportunities for the community. Overall, this initiative promises to uplift the entire city and inspire hope for a brighter future.