WATCH: Shocking CCTV Footage Reveals Smuggling of Illegal Immigrants at Johannesburg's China Mall

Johannesburg, South Africa – A video that surfaced on social media platforms depicts a large group of individuals being offloaded from a truck at China Mall in Highgate during the early morning hours.

The footage, captured by closed-circuit television cameras, shows the incident occurring around 3 a.m. and has sparked widespread discussion online.

The video illustrates a container truck arriving at the location, with its rear doors opening to release numerous people who then proceed into the mall area under the guidance of a few individuals. Descriptions accompanying the video identify the group as Ethiopian nationals entering South Africa illegally, facilitated by Chinese operators associated with the mall.

The clip was first shared on platforms including X and Facebook on August 27, 2025, and quickly gained traction, amassing views and shares within hours.

Posts indicate the immigrants were smuggled into the premises, highlighting concerns over border security and human trafficking networks.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of earlier enforcement actions in South Africa. In February 2025, seven Chinese nationals were arrested in connection with a human trafficking operation discovered in 2019, involving the exploitation of over 90 illegal foreign nationals through forced labor. The group was convicted in March 2025 on charges including human trafficking, child labor, and assisting illegal immigration.

No official statements from South African authorities regarding the recent video have been reported as of August 28, 2025. The footage continues to circulate, drawing attention to ongoing challenges with illegal immigration and potential trafficking activities in the region.