Daughter of convicted Chinese human trafficker won’t rest until mother’s innocence proven

JOHANNESBURG - The daughter of a convicted Chinese human trafficker said she won’t rest until she proves her mother’s innocence.

On Wednesday, Nancy Xiao’s mother and six others were each sentenced to 20 years in jail after being found guilty of trafficking 91 Malawians, including 37 children.

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The court heard the victims were forced into harsh labour conditions, operating heavy industrial machinery without safety, suffering severe injuries, and being cut off from the outside world, while earning far below a living wage.

Xiao created a scene after sentencing, claiming her family was being framed and that a powerful kingpin is still running a human trafficking and firearms syndicate.

She also produced medical records, saying her mother, wheelchair-bound after a stroke, is not fit to serve time and may not survive prison conditions.

“See this, this is the medical report, this is my mother, stroke, you see this?”

Her outburst prompted the Hawks to confirm they are launching an investigation into her allegations, while the deputy minister of labour announced a parallel inquiry.

NPA WELCOMES SENTENCING

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the 20-year sentences handed to the seven Chinese nationals.

The Johannesburg High Court found the group guilty on 158 of 160 charges.

Delivering his ruling on Wednesday, Judge David Mhango said the State presented overwhelming evidence, praising the reliability of witnesses, the thoroughness of police investigations, and the success of the Hawks’s operation.

NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the verdict highlights the urgent need to tighten South Africa’s borders and improve law enforcement against trafficking networks.

"We have become a destination, as South Africa, for human trafficking because of various reasons, including that of our porous borders, our socio-economic factors, as well as our geographical area."