Chaos Erupts In Court As 7 Chinese Nationals Sentenced To 20 Years For Human Trafficking

The Johannesburg High Court descended into chaos on Wednesday after seven Chinese nationals were each sentenced to 20 years behind bars. The group was convicted of human trafficking, kidnapping, and forced labour in a case that drew nationwide attention.

The sentencing follows their 2019 arrest during a Hawks-led operation, which exposed shocking exploitation at a Johannesburg factory.

91 Malawian Victims Rescued

Authorities revealed that 91 Malawian nationals, including 37 children, were rescued from the factory during the crackdown. Victims were forced into harsh working conditions that highlighted the severity of the crime.

In addition to the lengthy prison terms, the court ordered the group’s company to pay a R300,000 fine.

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But the courtroom calm quickly unraveled after the verdict. The daughter of accused number six, Nancy Xiao, confronted journalists inside court, making some fresh claims relating to the matter.

“My mother and her co-accused are being framed,” she claimed, sparking heated exchanges with reporters.

She said that there is a big boss who is in charge of the company. “These people (the convicts) are mere workers. They may have some power over the workers, but they take orders from the big boss,” she said. “I tell you that big boss he has gun related background in this Chinese community in South Africa. He’s living in this country, in this town in Bruma,” she added.

Listen to her:

[WATCH] CHAOS ERUPTS IN COURT: Six accused sentenced to 20 years each. The daughter of accused no.6 — who recently suffered a stroke — insists they’re innocent, alleging a powerful trafficking syndicate is the real force behind the crimes. @MongeziKoko https://t.co/ZOazEV1IYT pic.twitter.com/wAlXutoTDW

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) September 10, 2025

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