A total of 12 illegal immigrants working for the company were also arrested.
On November 6, the Benoni police, in conjunction with the Labour Department and Home Affairs launched a joint operation on the company, following a tip-off about a potential risk of death and injury to workers.
“We found that the company has employed 12 immigrants who are in the country illegally and without work permits,” said police spokesperson Lieut Nomsa Sekele.
Sekele said that the working conditions at the company were also not conducive to the health and safety of workers.
“Workers are exposed to dangerous chemicals and they are not provided with safety boots and masks, while electrical wires are just hanging loose inside the factory,” she added.
There are not enough fire extinguishers in the factory.
The factory was issued with four warning notices and given 60 days to clean up its act.
Sekele said the authorities will return to the premises for a further inspection soon after the notice period lapses.
“Failure to heed the warning will result in tougher actions,” she warned.
The illegal immigrants will be taken to the Lindelani Holding Centre, to await deportation.
