Thokozile Mnguni
Labour and immigration enforcement operations have been stepped up in the capital following concerns over compliance breaches.
An employer and several workers have been arrested during a joint compliance operation west of Pretoria today, led by Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya.
The operation brought together inspectors from the Department of Employment and Labour, the Department of Home Affairs, Gauteng Crime Wardens, the South African Police Service and the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department.
City Medical is alleged to have been employing a large number of undocumented foreign nationals and failing to comply with labour legislation.
A total of 35 individuals were detained at the Pretoria West Police Station for further processing.
They include Malawian, Zimbabwean, Congolese, Indian, Ugandan, Cameroonian, Tanzanian and Zambian nationals.
Three individuals were charged under Section 49(6) for contravention of visa conditions, including working while on visitor visas.
Two employers were also charged for employing undocumented foreign nationals and individuals without valid work visas.
The operation forms part of ongoing enforcement efforts targeting labour law compliance, immigration regulations and municipal bylaws.
Additional compliance concerns were identified during inspections. The City of Tshwane has been asked to consider disconnecting the electricity supply to the business following irregularities.