| 2025/02/25 |
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Media Statement
GAUTENG – We would like to bring to your immediate attention the impending court judgment on a serious case of labour exploitation and trafficking-in-persons which involves a company that has engaged in severe exploitation of its employees under appalling conditions. The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime investigation ensued on 12 November 2019 at approximately 10:00 am, after information was received about possible trafficking in persons (TIP) and labour exploitation at Wright Boag Road, Village Deep, Johannesburg. Observations revealed that the premises were concealed behind high walls, with no visibility of the activities within. A joint operation was conducted, involving members from the Hawks, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and representatives from the Department of Labour and Employment (DLE). The raid targeted Beautiful City (PTY) Ltd Factory, which is run by Taiwanese and Chinese nationals. The factory’s operations were conducted behind closed steel gates, with no access for employees to leave or enter freely. The raid uncovered eighty-seven (87) employees mostly illegal immigrants from Malawi. They were found on the premises, thirty-three (33) of whom were minors aged 15 to 17. They were working under appalling conditions filled with dust and lacking ventilation or windows. Employees stated they were being paid R65.00 per day, equating to R6.50 per hour for ten hours of work per day, seven days a week, with no rest or leave. They lived in inhabitable conditions and faced unlawful wage deductions, excessive working hours without overtime pay, and no leave. The premises lacked occupational health and safety measures, including risk assessments, safety files, health representatives, and protective equipment. The employers were issued a compliance notices to pay back the underpaid employees. Additionally, a prohibition notice was issued, preventing any access to the business operations. The following individuals were arrested, Shu-uie Tsa (42), Dai Tanying (63), Qin Li (60), Jiaging Zhou (51), Na Biao (62), Zhang Zhilian (56) and Chen Hui (54). Items seized included two hard drives, six passports, one firearm, seven cellular phones, and various documents. The accused were held in custody with their initial bail bids scheduled for November 28, 2019. They consequently got granted bail of varying amounts but this was revoked after they attempted to flee the country. The case has been scheduled for Tuesday, 25 February 2025 for judgment. The Provincial Head of The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in Gauteng Major General Ebrahim Kadwa has welcomed the developments in this case. The court judgment on this critical case is imminent at the Johannesburg High Court. We urgently call upon relevant authorities, organizations, and community members to stay informed and support the victims of these grave injustices”, he concluded. Ends
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