Pretoria - Gauteng Department of Labour has warned employers to be on a look out for people impersonating labour inspectors in Gauteng and surrounding areas.
This follows complaints by various business owners in Brakpan and Springs.
Johan Botha of Willys Home Entertainment was visited by a lady claiming to be from Pretoria "Department of Labour Head Office" selling the new 2014 Basic Conditions of Employment Act for R800.
The department said its services were free of charge.
"We want to place it on record that all our services are rendered free of charge. We do not sell any publications, charts, pamphlets and posters, especially related to new Labour Legislation.
"The department does not have any agreements or partnerships with any recruitment agencies or have authorised any organisation to render our services at a fee. Clients and employers need to be extra vigilant and should report any suspicious visits and requests to our nearby offices," said the department's Mishack Magakwe in a statement on Tuesday.
Furthermore, Magakwe said proposed amendments to labour law were still in the consultation phase and have not been finalised.
Genuine inspectors carry their inspector identification card with their photos and the departmental logo, added Magakwe.
Another incident was reported in East Rand, where the culprits visited one self-employed victim and informed her that since she was found without Basic Conditions of Employment Act and Employment Equity Act charts in her business, she must buy them for R500each or she will face a fine of R10 000.
They threatened the business owner with closing down her establishment, after which she paid the R500.
The fraudsters apparently issued her with the invoice that had the following details: Labour Law Solutions, 111 Church Street, 0001.
The matter has since been reported to the police for further investigation.
"The Labour Department's inspectors continuously conduct workplace inspections countrywide to ensure labour law compliance and these criminal activities might be harmful to our work. We have committed ourselves to serve the public and will do so to the best of our ability," said Magakwe. - BuaNews
