By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Department of Employment and Labour inspectors has shut down “dirty, unhealthy and hazardous” Tshwane market in Marabastad.
The joint inspection was done by National Roving Team (NRT), along with the department of labour and home affairs as well as law enforcement officers on Monday.
The raid was carried out in response to criminal activities and to assess compliance with labour and immigration laws.
As a result 20 people were arrested for contravening immigration laws and employing undocumented foreign nationals.
Similar operations have been carried out in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Mpumalanga.
In a statement, the department said the Marabastad market was closed after inspectors found it to be non-compliant.
“The Tshwane fruit and vegetable market in Marabastad was served with a prohibition notice. In terms of an inspector’s report, the market has been shut down because conditions threaten, or are likely to threaten, the health and/or safety of persons in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act of 1993.”
Traders would not be allowed to trade until the market was compliant.
“Traders at the market have been prohibited from using the building due to lack of firefighting equipment at strategic locations, operating in a premises with open electrical wires, [and] non-compliance with [the] electrical installation [requirements], which poses a risk of electrocution and fire,” added the Department.