Bogus labour inspectors target farmers

THE Department of Labour (DoL) has issued a stern warning to employers, urging them to watch out for con artists pretending to be officials, particularly in the farming community.

According to the Department, there has been a ‘mushrooming of illegitimate labour inspectors’.

‘The DoL is concerned about bogus labour inspectors who are masquerading as legitimate officials of the DoL and milking unsuspecting employers of their monies.’

Suspects already known to the department are KE Sengape, Aaron Mofokeng and a man who calls himself Jerry.

‘As part of their modus operandi, these villains seem to be targeting farmers for reasons only known to them.

‘The bogus inspectors visit workplaces to conduct illegal inspections and thereafter issue employers with illegitimate inspection reports and contravention notices.

‘Unsuspecting employers are coerced and intimidated by these deceitful individuals into believing that they are to face the music and the full might of the law if they do not accede to their demands.

‘All employers are therefore warned of this disturbing trend of fake labour inspectors mushrooming and therefore, in one way or the other, end up souring the working relationship between the DoL, employers and employees in various sectors of our economy.’

To ensure a visiting inspector is legitimate, employers are encouraged to request to see an inspector’s card or their appointment certificates.

However, the DoL stated since criminals are often technologically savvy enough to replicate these documents, employers should phone the DoL if they suspect foul play or need to verify an inspector’s identity.

‘Employers are also warned never to deposit monies into personal bank accounts, irrespective of whether it is 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,’ said Acting Provincial Chief Inspector for Free State, Amanda Mantutle.

‘If you do so, you do it at your own peril and thereby play right into the hands of these criminals.’

Fraudulent activities can be reported on the department’s hotline 0860 022194 or emailed to fraud@labour.gov.za

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