Dube tragedy investigation
Dube tragedy investigation
Released by Chief Directorate of Communication/Department of Labour
on 04 February 2004
The Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana has instructed labour
inspectors to investigate the incident where a Soweto child fell into
an open sewerage manhole in Dube and was swept away.
The nine-year old child - Karabo Gwala - apparently fell into the
drainage system after metro workers had been down the manhole and
failed to replace the cover when they left.
Minister Mdladlana said inspectors would investigate whether
barriers had been erected around the manhole and if there had been a
supervisor on site as stipulated in the Occupational Health and Safety
Regulations.
"It would be a supervisor's responsibility to ensure that
Regulations were adhered to and that the manhole cover was replaced
after work was completed," the Minister said.
"My inspectors will deliver a full report to my office. Should
there be negligence, the Department will take action," the Minister
said.
Minister Mdladlana called on the Johannesburg Metropolitan Council
to ensure that the necessary barriers were in place and workers
operated under supervision at all times in order to avoid tragedies of
this nature.
"Health and Safety Regulations are not only there to protect the
safety of workers, but also the general public in the vicinity," the
Minister emphasised.
Minister Mdladlana also sends his condolences to the family of
Karabo.
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