According to the department’s provincial communication officer, Cebisa Siyobi, a case has been opened against the store owner after he allegedly attempted to bribe the inspector by offering him R300 during a workplace inspection. Siyobi says the inspection that was conducted at the accused’s business premises revealed that the store owner failed to comply with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), the National Minimum Wage Act (NMWA), and the Sectorial Determination. She said investigations had revealed that the employer did not pay employees’ salaries to the tune of R66 418,70 and also failed to pay overtime amounting to R32 891,04.

She adds that the inspector made the store owner aware of the findings and ordered remedial actions to be effected. Siyobi says the store owner then asked the inspector to withdraw the compliance order in exchange for a “cooldrink”. Siyobi further adds that the inspector reported the unethical behaviour of the store owner to the SAPS in Reitz. She says surveillance was effected by the police and the police immediately arrested the store owner after he was seen handing over the R300 to the inspector.

Siyobi concluded that the department continues to embark on aggressive campaigns to root out non-compliance with labour laws.

OFM News