Men claiming links to March and March delivered letters demanding staff audits at businesses in Umdloti last week.

The letter, of which the Courier obtained a copy, included what appears to be a March and March letterhead and demands that establishments immediately audit staff records and ensure employees are South African citizens or possess valid work documentation issued by the Department of Home Affairs.

The letter further demands the immediate dismissal of non-compliant staff. The men allegedly vowed to conduct a follow-up visit within five days.

No evidence of illegal hiring practices was presented.

The name “Senzo” and a cell phone number appear at the bottom of the letter, written in pen. Calls to the number went unanswered and the organisation did not respond to our questions.

In response, restaurant owners have banded together, instructing their staff to demand identification and a photograph from anyone claiming to represent March and March.

“No staff member is to produce any form of identification unless requested by a government official from Saps, the Department of Labour or immigration authorities,” a circular distributed among businesses reads.

A well-placed criminal justice system source said the issuing of letters of demand in these circumstances could constitute intimidation, an offence under the Intimidation Act.

While the law allows people to gather, march and assemble in protest, it prohibits intimidation, the incitement of violence and acts of public violence.

This was highlighted by Police Minister Firoz Cachalia during a press briefing in Johannesburg on Monday. Assuring the public that government is fully prepared for the planned June 30 shutdown, he said the SANDF could be called on if necessary to protect key infrastructure such as airports and power stations.

• Note: This story differs from that which appeared in the original print version. A clarifying sentence that the men presented no evidence of illegal hiring practices was added.