The outlet has been closed since Sunday, 5 July, and the police have also opened an inquest to determine what led to the fatal workplace incident. The incident occurred at Chick’s ’n Wings at the Thakaneng Bridge Student Centre.

Thandiwe Solane, 43, was reportedly on duty on Wednesday, 1 July, when she sustained severe burns to her upper body, face, one arm and part of her leg. She was rushed to Busamed Hospital for emergency treatment but later succumbed to her injuries.

Police spokesperson Lt. Col. Thabo Covane said the woman died in hospital after allegedly suffering burn injuries caused by hot cooking oil.

“Following the incident, the department conducted a reactive inspection to assess compliance with occupational health and safety legislation by both the employer and the university,” said Free State employment and labour spokesperson Teboho Thejane.

“A prohibition notice was issued after inspectors found that conditions at the workplace posed a risk to the health and safety of employees. Operations may only resume once all identified contraventions have been addressed, and compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act has been verified.

“Before the incident, the department had already conducted an inspection and issued enforcement notices to the employer, who was given 60 days to rectify the identified occupational health and safety shortcomings.”

During the inspection conducted in May, the employer was found to be non-compliant with several occupational health and safety requirements, including the absence of personal protective equipment, a first-aid box and emergency lighting, he said.

Preliminary information indicated Solane allegedly increased the temperature of a fryer before leaving it unattended for approximately 15 minutes. When she returned, the cooking oil had allegedly caught fire.

The department also confirmed it had issued a compliance order following an inspection in November after finding the employer had failed to comply with certain provisions relating to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), although the business is registered with the UIF. 

Internal investigation

University of the Free State acting director of communications and marketing, Dr Nitha Ramnath, confirmed the institution had been informed of the incident and is cooperating fully with the investigation. “The university has already completed its internal investigation.

“As the outlet is operated by an independent tenant, it would be inappropriate for the university to comment on the circumstances surrounding the incident or speculate on its cause while investigations are still underway.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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