Department welcomes conviction of bogus labour inspectors
In February, the Department of Employment and Labour warned employers against people who were posing as labour inspectors and CCMA officials with the intention to swindle money out of them.
The conviction of three undocumented foreign nationals who impersonated labour inspectors has been welcomed by the Department of Employment and Labour.
“The department applauds and welcomes the decision,” the department’s provincial spokesperson Mishack Magakwe said.
Last month, Okichukwu Michael Uzor (45), Loveness Mandivava (32) and Nyemudzai Muzvidza (33) were sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with the option of a R10 000 fine after they were found guilty of impersonating labour inspectors.
“This sends a clear message to those posing as labour inspectors and performing any labour inspections,” Magakwe said.
He also extended the department’s gratitude to the SAPS in the Marabastad area for their prompt response in the matter.
“As a result of their efforts, the three undocumented foreigners were successfully convicted,” he said, adding that the department was concerned about the growing number of pretentious inspectors in the province, but noted that they believed it was only a matter of time before they pounced on them and the courts dealt with them ‘properly’.
“In accordance with section 63(1) of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997, as amended, the department appoints employment and labour inspectors to monitor and enforce the following legislation:
– Basic Condition of Employment Act 75 of 199, as amended;
– Compensation for Occupational Injury and Disease Act no. 130 of 1993;
– Employment Equity Act no. 55 of 1998;
– Occupational Health and Safety Act no. 85 of 1993;
“The department wishes to accentuate and explicitly state that it has no agreement of partnerships with recruitment agencies and that no organisation has been authorised to charge for services rendered by the department,” he said.
Magakwe said that they were urging employers to continue reporting any suspicious visits or requests to the SAPS or the department’s regional offices.
“Employers who are concerned about an inspector’s visit should contact the department’s nearest office to verify the inspector’s credentials,” he said.
In February, Magakwe warned employers against people who were posing as labour inspectors and CCMA officials with the intention to swindle money out of them.
“To avoid becoming a victim of a con artist posting as a labour inspector, the department advises you to remember that genuine inspectors are easily identified by identification cards bearing the departmental logo and trademark forms,” Magakwe said.
“These are created prior to the inspection.”
He said that employers should never deposit money into anyone’s account – even if they were a legitimate labour official.
“Do not agree to do favours for the person inspecting in exchange for a more favourable inspection result,” Magakwe said.
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