A group of illegal immigrants and children were allegedly found locked up in the Johannesburg factory
Officials said no formal contracts were drawn up, and unlawful wage deductions and unpaid overtime also occurred.The migrant workers were allegedly locked in the factory day and night. When they wanted to go to the shops, they were expected to write down what they wanted on a piece of paper for their bosses to buy goods for them., the department’s provincial chief inspector, Michael Msiza, said the Chinese employer had been arrested. The employees were taken to a place of safety.
The employer was allegedly found to have violated various labour and immigration laws, bylaws, health regulations and child-labour laws.“The underpayments for the 78 employees found on the premises was estimated to be about R6.3m and the employer has to pay the employees within 14 days of receipt of notice.
“The business was also issued with a prohibition notice by department inspectors, which means that no persons would be allowed to gain entry into the business,” said Msiza.Msiza said inspectors conducting the operation expressed “shock and disgust” at what they described as “the most grim site” they had ever come across.
He also condemned the employer’s actions and warned that the department would not tolerate “modern-day slavery”. “Such barbaric acts have no place in our democratic state that upholds and promotes freedom, equality and human dignity. There is no human dignity in locking in employees and violating their rights in employment, including the right to earn a minimum wage and to be covered regarding social security,” Msiza said.
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