28 June 2006
A Vryburg farmer is facing criminal charges and may face more possible
charges following the death of a 15-year old boy last week Monday, 19 June
2006.
It is alleged that the child, employed in a farm at Stella, died after the
coat he was wearing was caught by the revolving propeller shaft whilst he was
working on a mixing machine for cattle food on the farm.
The Department of Labour revealed today that a criminal case has been opened
against the farmer following investigations by labour inspectors after being
alerted to a possible contravention of the Child Labour Act by the Stella
Advice Centre. Subsequently a case of contravening Clause 25 of the Sectoral
Determination for Farm Workers and Section 43 of the Basic Conditions of
Employment Act, which prohibits the employment of children, was opened with the
Stella Police Station.
The Department was also investigating possible contraventions of the
Occupational Health and Safety Act. The farmer did not report the incident to
the Department of Labour as required by law.
Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana conveyed his deepest condolences to
the family of the deceased.
Meanwhile, the Department said it was experiencing high incidences of child
labour in the North West especially in farms around Vryburg, Lichtenburg and
Taung.
Minister Mdladlana has warned both parents and farmers to desist from such
practices as this placed the lives of children at risk and was against the
law.
Enquiries:
Mokgadi Pela
Cell: 082 808 2168
Issued by: Department of Labour
28 June 2006
