The Department of Employment and Labour strongly condemns the spread of false and misleading information regarding the Blitz Inspection conducted at Salvage Scrapyard in Parys, Free State.

Of particular concern is the publication of the identity card belonging to one of the Department's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) inspectors. The unauthorised disclosure of an official's personal information poses a serious risk to that inspector's safety and security. The identities and images of two OHS inspectors have been widely shared, both locally and internationally and as a result the officials have been subjected to harmful allegations and derogatory remarks.

The incident follows a workplace inspection that was conducted by the inspectors on 24 July and the employer was issued with a prohibition notice due non-compliance with various labour legislation. A follow up inspection was later conducted at the scrapyard where the employer assaulted the inspectors. The matter has been reported to the South African Police Service for investigation, and the Department will allow the legal process to take its course.

Free State Provincial Chief Inspector Mr Manelisi Luxande says: “The Department has a constitutional responsibility to enforce labour legislation and safeguard the health, safety and rights of workers. The inspectors carry out this mandate professionally, impartially and without fear or favour.

“The Inspectorate is deeply concerned by the publication of the inspectors' personal information and by the continued circulation of misleading, one-sided accounts of this incident. Inspectors must be able to perform their duties without intimidation, harassment or threats to their personal safety," said Luxande.

The Department of Employment and Labour remains committed to enforcing labour legislation fairly, impartially and without fear or favour. It will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities and pursue all appropriate legal remedies to protect its officials and uphold the integrity of its enforcement processes.

Members of the public are urged to refrain from sharing officials' personal information and to allow the relevant legal and investigative processes to proceed without interference.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za

-ENDS-

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

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