Inspector blows whistle on corrupt employer
An employer was arrested during an operation by the HAWKS (Serious Corruption Investigation Unit) after they were tipped off by the Department of Labour on Friday afternoon at China City Polokwane.
The operation was followed by a planned inspection during which the employer was issued with a compliance order for not complying with the sectorial determination for retail and wholesale sector.
The employer who owns two shops at the mall, owed his employees a total sum of R90 000 and was given a period of 14 days to settle the amount. After realising that he could not pay the amount, he contacted the investigating Inspector for a meeting under the impression that he was ready to comply.
During the meeting, the Labour Inspector demanded that the employer produce proof of the payment made to employees of which he failed to do. The inspector advised the employer to pay the employees within the given time frame.
“After the period lapsed the employer contacted the Inspector and asked to settle the matter informally to cancel the compliance order. That is when the Inspector reported the matter to his supervisor who escalated the matter to me. That is when I reported it to the HAWKS and agreed on a jointed operation,” said Provincial Chief Inspector Phaswane Tladi.
The operation took place at China Mall parking lot where an exchange of R3000 was given to the Inspector. The employer was arrested on the spot and is currently under police custody.
“It is very disappointing to see how employers go out of the way to bribe our inspectors at the expense of our people. I am glad that the operation was a great success and will send a strong message to other employers that the Department of Labour has zero tolerance for bribery and we will leave no stone unturned before ensuring our people are paid what is due to them,” said Tladi.
Enquries:
Phaswani Tladi
Cell: 084 5043801
Teboho Thejane
Cell: 082 697 0694
