Seven found guilty of human trafficking, forced labor

The accused faced 160 charges, including crimes such as human trafficking, labor law and violations of health and safety regulations.

The accused included Shu-Uei Tsao (42), Biao Ma, Hui Chen (50), Quin Li (56), Zhou Jiaquing (46), Junying Dai (58), Zhilian Zhang (51) and Frumos City (Pty) LTD represented by the accused one at seven.

The police received a stop about an illegal factory that hires foreign nationals, causing them to make an attack.

“Following the attack, Captain Modbo and Mandate Officer Lulama Kona led an investigation that revealed that, between 2017 and 2019, the accused operated the beautiful City (PTY) LTD and hired 91 Malaw resorted, including 16 minors In between 14 and 16 the African laws, ”said the spokesman of the National Criminal Investigation Authority, Phindi Mjonondwane.

According to the police account, the victims were limited to spaces in inhuman conditions, the armed guards controlling the movements.

“The victims were forced to work on 11 hours, seven days a week, without adequate training or safety equipment,” added Mjonondwane.

The main lawyer of the state, Valencia Dube, presented additional evidence, appointing several beautiful employees of the city, mostly Malawi natives and a truck driver from South Africa, who testified on the fact that he was deceived to work on factory with promises of a better life.

“Many have previously worked in the factories owned by the Chinese and were recruited under false claims. The victims described harsh conditions, including being transported in trucks without windows to the factory, where they were not allowed to leave.

“They faced long hours without breaks, they had to work on the holidays and they were forbidden to bring food outside. Personal communication was forbidden and were made to operate defective machines without protective tools, which leads to accidents. “

When he pronounced the judgment, Judge David Mhango told the testimonies of some workers.

One of them lost a finger and refused medical care.

In addition, it is reported that the factory had a tall wall, a fence and armed security, and the workers were often threatened with firearms and subjected to extreme control.

Judge Mhango has decided that the accused is responsible for crimes, and the state has managed to demonstrate his case beyond a reasonable doubt; The judge also mentioned that the accused did not comply with the laws of the work in South Africa.

All, with the exception of one of the accused, were sent to arrest until the sentence on March 7.

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