Daughter Of Convicted Chinese Human Trafficker Vows To Prove Mother’s Innocence

The Johannesburg High Court has sentenced seven Chinese nationals to 20 years in prison after finding them guilty of trafficking 91 Malawians, including 37 children.

The victims were forced into gruelling labour, operating heavy industrial machinery without safety precautions, suffering severe injuries, and being isolated from the outside world while earning far below a living wage.

Judge David Mhango ruled on Wednesday that the State presented overwhelming evidence, praising the reliability of witnesses, the effectiveness of police investigations, and the Hawks’ successful operation.

The group was convicted on 158 of 160 charges.

Daughter Challenges Conviction, Cites Mother’s Health

After the sentencing, Nancy Xiao, the daughter of one of the convicted traffickers, created a scene in court, insisting her family was framed. She alleged that a powerful kingpin still runs a human trafficking and firearms syndicate.

Xiao also presented medical records, claiming her mother is wheelchair-bound following a stroke and may not survive prison conditions.

“See this, this is the medical report, this is my mother, stroke, you see this?” she said emotionally outside court.

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Her outburst prompted the Hawks to confirm they are investigating the claims, while the deputy minister of labour announced a separate inquiry.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the convictions, saying the case highlights the urgent need to strengthen South Africa’s borders and crack down on trafficking syndicates.

NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said: “We have become a destination, as South Africa, for human trafficking because of various reasons, including that of our porous borders, our socio-economic factors, as well as our geographical area.”

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