SOUTH  AFRICA – In a joint operation earlier this week, the Hawks, the department of labour and the department of home affairs raided the Jiebo Home Trading building in Industria, west of Johannesburg.

“There is no ventilation, chemicals and dust everywhere and basic housekeeping rules were not adhered to,” Aggy Moiloa, the labour department deputy director-general in charge of inspection and enforcement, stated.

Apart from not complying with the safety standards, the National Minimum Wage Act implemented in January had also been ignored. Besides, most of over 30 Malawian workers had no work permits.

As a result, the factory was shut down and the workers were taken to the Langlaagte police station, pending their deportation.