Witness statements in case against 7 Chinese nationals detail deplorable living

JOHANNESBURG - Some witness statements in the case of seven Chinese nationals arrested on human trafficking-related charges have detailed deplorable living and working conditions endured by the victims.

On Tuesday afternoon the Johannesburg High Court is handing down judgment against the group facing 160 charges, including kidnapping, human trafficking, debt bondage, and violations of labour laws.

READ: Judgment expected to be handed down in human trafficking case against 7 Chinese nationals

All seven were arrested in 2019 after a multidisciplinary operation uncovered a trafficking ring, leading to the rescue of 91 Malawian nationals, including 37 children, in the city’s central business district.

Witness testimony has revealed to the Johannesburg High Court, the harrowing conditions the victims endured.

They include  12-hour workdays and a below-minimum wage remuneration of around R1,000 per month.

Some of the victims are reportedly still reeling from untreated injuries sustained from operating machinery without sufficient training.

The workers were allegedly not allowed to exit the factory or use their cellphones.

The witness also claims they were forced to work on public holidays and given an R10 incentive for working full 12-hour shifts on Sundays.

“They were not even allowed to use the bathrooms while on duty. If you go to the toilet they will deduct r20 from your salary."

The court continues to hear more evidence against the accused, who sits stoically in the dock.