The daughter of one of the seven Chinese nationals sentenced to 20 years in prison for human trafficking has spoken out, insisting her mother is innocent.
Speaking to eNCA, Nancy Xiao argued that her 64-year-old mother, Dai Junying, was unfairly punished, while the real mastermind behind the trafficking syndicate is still free.
“This case is totally a lie. The big boss is right here in this country running business, and they can’t [catch] the boss. [They] sent my mother, an innocent man, to prison. She’s already 64 years old,” Nancy said.
Background to the convictions
On Wednesday, 10 September 2025, a South African court handed down 20-year prison sentences to seven Chinese nationals for human trafficking, kidnapping, and immigration-related offences.
The group was arrested in 2019 after Hawks investigators raided a factory in Johannesburg, known as Beautiful City, where 91 Malawians — including 37 children — were found working in harsh conditions.
Authorities testified that workers were forced into 11-hour shifts, seven days a week, with little pay, no proper safety equipment, and food described as dirty and unsuitable.
Victims said they were not allowed to leave the premises and some had been smuggled into South Africa in shipping containers.
Nancy Xiao’s claims about the ‘big boss’
While Nancy admitted that her mother and the other accused were involved in the running of the factory, she said they were acting under orders.
According to her, a “big boss” with links to gangs in South Africa’s Chinese community is the real culprit.
“The real boss, the big boss, the first one, the main one, is right here, and he has a gang-related background in the Chinese community in this country. That is why they always keep silent, because they are afraid of getting killed,” Nancy claimed.
Reports during the trial suggested that a man known only as “Mr Chang” was linked to the case but was believed to have left the country before sentencing.
Nancy maintains the true organiser is still in South Africa and continues to operate businesses.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the court’s ruling, saying it was a major step in the fight against human trafficking.
“Human trafficking has become a scourge in our country. We have become a destination as South Africa for human trafficking due to various reasons, including our porous borders,” spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said.
The Department of Labour also supported the judgment, casting a spotlight on the need for stronger cooperation between government departments to stop exploitative practices.
Human trafficking in South Africa
South Africa is considered a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking.
This means victims are taken from South Africa, brought through it, or trafficked into the country. Poverty, weak border controls, and high unemployment make it easier for traffickers to operate.
The sentences against the seven Chinese nationals — Kevin Tsao, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian — show how complex such cases can be.
While the state views the outcome as a victory against exploitation, Nancy Xiao insists justice has not yet been served.