Warning on bogus inspectors

LABOUR inspectors did not issue spot fines, the department of labour in the North West said yesterday.

“We wish to inform the public that under no circumstances will the labour inspectors issue on-the-spot fines for non-compliance,” said Andile Makapela, North West chief director provincial operations.

“In terms of non-compliance, the labour inspector, guided by the labour laws, can only issue the following notices –14 days undertaking for non-compliance with the Basic Condition of Employment Act while for non-compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, an inspector can issue a 60 days improvement notice and/or a 60 days contravention notice; and a prohibition notice to stop operations which can be revoked after an institution has fixed the items of concern.”

Makapela said an inspector could refer the non-complying instruction to the labour court or the local magistrate’s court for further adjudication.

He was reacting to reports that a vehicle with Gauteng province registration numbers was moving around the province, with its occupants claiming to be labour inspectors.

The alleged bogus inspectors targeted businesses in the province.

They demanded money from them alleging it was for non-compliance with labour laws and they issued fines that needed to be paid on the spot.

“We, therefore, call on any employer or company that might have come across these individuals to engage the North West provincial chief inspector or the local labour centre for the matter to be investigated further,” Makapela said.|