Coronavirus – 14 workers saved from a factory – owner arrested
Statement by the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs – Nomusa Dube-Ncube following the arrest of an owner of a factory manufacturing masks
No amount of words could ever describe my anger following a shocking report I have just received from officials I assigned to investigate a complaint I received early this morning.
This is in connection to more than 14 employees who have been locked up in a factory since Monday last week. They were forced to manufacture hundreds of masks to meet the demand caused by the outbreak of coronavirus.
During our unannounced visits to various retail shops and pharmacies, we discovered that members of the public are forced to pay up to R780.00 (seven hundred and eighty rand) for one mask.
Regarding this morning’s complaint, we are encouraged by messages of public disapproval of the blatant disregards of the laws of the country by the owners of a Chinese company Chen Lu located in Glen Anil, Durban.
Inspectors from the department's Consumer Protection Unit, who are investigating complaints of the violation of consumer rights and price hikes, have saved more than 14 workers who were subjected to inhuman conditions.
The owner of the factory has been arrested and inspectors from the Department of Employment and Labour are conducting an investigation. This is in relation to the violation of the Conditions of Employment; and Occupational and Safety Act.
I applaud labour inspectors and members of South African Police Services for working with our officials in restoring the dignity of these workers. The workers are currently being transported by SAPS to various townships in the Greater Durban area.
Critically, I wish to condemn security guards employed by KZN Crime Extinguishers for harassing and pointing automatic rifles at our officials.
I have implored law enforcement agencies to investigate this company. Importantly, they must ascertain whether a Chinese national, who was carrying an automatic rifle and harassing government officials, has the necessary permit. He must also be charged for defeating the ends of justice.
I wish to reiterate today that that our position as the department has not changed. We will continue to enforce our zero-tolerance policy towards price gougers who are using the Coronavirus outbreak to sell much-needed food and other products at inflated prices.
Turning a blind eye to these injustices will be tantamount to the abdication of our mandate as public representatives. This government is the only hope for millions of the people of KwaZulu-Natal during this difficult period. I undertake not to betray them.
A team of experienced officials from the department are on standby to investigate complaints regarding excessive pricing and violation of consumer rights.
Contact details are as follows:-
Email: Consumer.Complaints @kznedtea.gov.za
Whatsup : 082 458 0706 or 082 374 6660
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Cell: 082 375 4742
Nathi Olifant
Cell: 060 970 5113
