Seven Chinese nationals have been found guilty of 158 out of 160 charges related to kidnapping and forced labour involving 91 Malawian nationals.

The convicts appeared before the Johannesburg High court yesterday.

In 2019, the Hawks raided a factory in Village Deep in Johannesburg. They found Malawian nationals, mostly illegal immigrants including minors, working in appalling conditions without overtime payment or leave.

Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Lloyd Ramovha says, “The case uncovered severe exploitation of employees, including minors. This was at an entity called Beautiful City Pty Ltd in Johannesburg. The premises were found to lack safety measures, and workers were paid as little as R65 per day under appalling conditions. The accused remain in custody until sentencing proceedings that are scheduled for the seventh of March 2025.”

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