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.
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.
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.
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