Pretoria - The sentencing of two men who last year attacked a labour inspector while he was conducting an inspection on a printing business owned by their father has been welcomed by the Department of Labour.
The sons of a Ladysmith printing business owner, have been fined R2 000 each or face three months imprisonment suspended for five years by the Ladysmith Magistrate's Court.
This follows the incident on 22 September in which they physically attacked and abused the official while he was trying to discuss areas of labour law non-compliance that were detected at the workplace.
He had suffered a cut on the face, a swollen lump on his head and cracks to the ribs, while his jacket and shirt were torn.
A contravention notice was later served on the employer for the occupational health and safety violation.
A briefing session was also conducted at the workplace for both the employer and employees to raise awareness and the need for compliance regarding the basic conditions of employment.
According to the department, a follow-up inspection will soon be conducted at the company.
Departmental spokesperson Page Boikanyo said: "The department welcomes this judgment which proves that no one is above the law. An inspector of the department has the power to visit any employer at any time to conduct inspections."
He said anyone who obstructed or hindered an inspector from performing this function was breaking the law.
