Seven Chinese nationals accused of kidnapping 91 Malawian nationals found guilty

JOHANNESBURG - Seven Chinese nationals arrested in connection with the kidnapping and forced labour of 91 Malawian nationals in the Johannesburg CBD have been found guilty on 158 of the 160 charges brought against them.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) presented a case before the Johannesburg High Court, with charges including kidnapping, human trafficking, debt bondage, and violations of labour laws.

READ: Witness statements in case against 7 Chinese nationals detail deplorable living

The court acquitted the accused only on two charges.

All seven were arrested in 2019 during a Hawks-led multidisciplinary operation that uncovered the trafficking ring.

Evidence from both the state and defence presented in the form of witness statements, was read into the court record, detailing misconduct by the group and the harrowing work and living conditions endured by the victims.