- Conviction of Seven Chinese Nationals for Human Trafficking and Labour Violations: Seven Chinese nationals were found guilty of 160 counts including human trafficking, child labour, and numerous labour law violations, and their sentencing has been postponed to September 2025.
- Details of Labour Law Violations and Illegal Activities: The accused were charged with failing to register with relevant authorities, not declaring earnings, operating unsafe workplaces, and not reporting workplace incidents, alongside involvement in human trafficking and benefiting from bonded labour.
- Arrest and Operation Details: The seven individuals were apprehended during a joint raid at their business, Beautiful City Pty Ltd, in Johannesburg, conducted by multiple authorities following an anonymous tip in November 2019.
The Gauteng South Division Court in Johannesburg has postponed sentencing proceedings to 4 September 2025 in the case of seven Chinese nationals convicted of human trafficking and child labour. The accused: Kevin Tsao Shu-Uei, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian were found guilty on 160 counts on 25 February 2025.
The charges included violating South Africa’s labour laws, such as failing to register with the Compensation Fund, not declaring operations, failing to submit returns on earnings, and operating on unsafe workplaces. The group also failed to report workplace incidents and did not register or declare to the Unemployment Insurance Fund Commissioner, as required by law.
The seven were arrested on 12 November 2019 during a joint operation at their business premises, Beautiful City Pty Ltd, in Village Deep, Johannesburg. The raid was conducted by the Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services, in partnership with SAPS, the Hawks, and the Department of Home Affairs, following a tip-off.
In addition to labour violations, the group was convicted of human trafficking, aiding trafficking, benefiting from bonded labour, and harbouring illegal immigrants. All accused remain in custody, except for Dai Junying, who was granted release on medical grounds.
The court will resume sentencing proceedings on 4 September 2025, where pre-sentencing reports will be submitted.
