“The Big Boss Is Still Out There”: Joburg Court Jails 7 in Human Trafficking Scandal

Seven Chinese nationals have been jailed 20 years each in Johannesburg for human trafficking (image source)

Johannesburg, South Africa — A high-stakes courtroom drama erupted this week as seven Chinese nationals were each sentenced to 20 years in prison for human trafficking, kidnapping, and forced labour. But allegations by the daughter of one accused suggest the real mastermind remains free, exposing deeper layers of organized crime in South Africa’s trafficking networks.

The Johannesburg High Court heard chilling testimony of how the group operated a sweatshop in Village Deep, forcing 91 Malawians — including 37 children — to work under inhumane conditions. Victims described gruelling shifts, withheld wages, and confinement.

Judge David Mhango commended the Hawks-led bust, noting:“These crimes are not only committed in this court’s jurisdiction but sadly, throughout the country.”He stressed that deterrent sentences were necessary to break trafficking syndicates.

The verdict, however, was shaken when Nancy Xiao, daughter of one convict, publicly declared:“The real owner is right here in this country. He has gun connections and lives in Bruma. My family are scapegoats.”

Her claims have triggered fresh investigations. Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mohale confirmed authorities are “following up on leads regarding the alleged kingpin.”

South Africa remains a trafficking hotspot, with migrants from Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe often lured by fake job offers before being trapped in exploitative labour.

Anti-trafficking activist Nomsa Dlamini said the case highlights systemic failures:“Trafficking thrives because of corruption, weak border controls, and demand for cheap labour.”

With the convicted facing long jail terms, pressure now mounts on law enforcement to track down higher-level operators allegedly shielded by local connections. Observers warn that unless supply chains, landlords, and enablers are also prosecuted, traffickers will continue finding ways to exploit vulnerable migrants.