NPA: Highly likely 7 Chinese nationals found guilty of human trafficking to serve sentences in SA

JOHANNESBURG - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it was highly likely that seven Chinese nationals found guilty of human trafficking in Johannesburg would serve their sentences in South Africa.

The Johannesburg High Court handed down its judgment on Tuesday, citing the reliability of the State's witnesses and the thoroughness of police investigations.

The group was arrested after a Hawks-led operation linked them to the kidnapping, trafficking, and forced labour of 91 Malawian nationals — 37 of them children.

Of the 160 charges brought against them, the group was convicted on 158.

Delivering his judgment, High Court Judge David Mhango said the State presented overwhelming evidence against the accused.

Ruling in favour of the prosecution, he revoked the bail of Six of the accused, releasing one for health reasons, warning that some charges carried a possible life sentence.

NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, explained what this meant for their imprisonment.

"Custodial issues are seized with the Department of Correctional Services. Sentences are not tied to nationality — an accused person must serve their time before deportation is considered."

Mjonondwane said the NPA would push for the harshest possible sentence during next week Friday’s hearing.