Johannesburg - The Department of Labour is concerned about the continued mushrooming of bogus labour inspectors in Free State towns.
Amanda Mantutle, the department's acting provincial chief inspector for the Free State, said on Thursday that there were three inspectors who were masquerading as legitimate officials, milking unsuspecting employers of their money.
“As part of their modus operandi, these villains seem to be targeting farmers and the farming community due to reasons only known to them. In all three cases reported, the targets were farmers,” she said in a statement.
One of the inspectors goes by the name of K.E. Sengape operating in and around the Bloemfontein area. The second is known as Aaron Mofokeng and has been spotted around Bethlehem. The third is known only as Jerry and claims to be based at Reddesburg Post Office.
The bogus inspectors were visiting workplaces to conduct illegal inspections and thereafter issued employers with illegitimate inspection reports and contravention notices.
“All employers are therefore warned of this disturbing trend of these bogus labour inspectors mushrooming and therefore, in one way or the other, end up souring the working relationship between the Department of Labour, employers and employees in various sectors of our economy.”
Mantutle warned that employers should never deposit money into anybody’s personal bank account, even if it was a legitimate (or illegitimate) labour official. “Or agree to do certain favours for the person conducting the inspection in exchange for a more favourable inspection outcome. You do so, you do it at your own peril and thereby play right in the hands of these criminals,” she said.
Even though inspectors should always carry an identification card or appointment certificates, the department has warned that these could be fake.
Employers and employees are advised to call the department should they have any reason to suspect foul play.
The numbers to call are 051 505 6231/ 051 505 6230. You can also email the fraud line: fraud@labour.gov.za.
LABOUR BUREAU