JOHANNESBURG - Xiao Nancy, daughter of one of seven Chinese nationals convicted of human trafficking, insists the real mastermind is still at large.
She claims her 64-year-old mother is innocent, too frail for a long prison sentence.
The South Gauteng High Court handed 20-year terms to all seven, finding them guilty of trafficking, flouting labour laws, and breaching The Immigration Act.
READ | Convicted Chinese nationals sentenced to 20 years for human trafficking
Investigators uncovered illegal immigrants, including children, locked inside their Village Deep business during a 2019 raid.
Nancy slammed the sentence, saying her mother and the others were simply following orders from the 'big boss.'
Labour and Employment Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya welcomed the verdict, warning international companies that South Africa won’t
tolerate exploitation. He added: Too many companies think they can bribe their way out of trouble, but those days are over.