Lowpal Timbers Shut Down in Mbombela After Deputy Minister Inspection Reveals that Out of 66 Workers, Only 12 South Africans, the Rest Were Illegal Foreigners —Finger and Limb Injuries, and Compensation Fund Fraud
Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya led a joint inspection team involving labour inspectors, immigration officials, and police at Lowpal Timbers in Thaba Chwewu Municipality, Mbombela. The visit uncovered serious labour law violations, prompting the arrest of the employer and the shutdown of the sawmilling company following findings of widespread non-compliance.
Officials found that out of 66 workers, only 12 were South African, the rest were illegal immigrants despite regulations on scarce skills recruitment. The inspection also revealed that workers had suffered severe injuries, including loss of fingers and limbs. None of the injured workers had been compensated, despite deductions allegedly made for the Compensation Fund.
Authorities further established that all injured workers were undocumented, and had not received any compensation or support, including one case dating back to 2013. Attempts by GIWUSA, a SAFTU-affiliated union, to organise workers reportedly faced fear and resistance, with employees afraid of losing their jobs.
The employer has since been arrested, and the company shut down while ensuring workers do not lose wages. Authorities indicated that compensation will need to be addressed for injured employees. The case has raised wider concerns over labour exploitation, weak union representation, and compliance failures in the sector.
Urgent Manhunt: Police Are Searching For Adam Edwards For Alleged Sexual Offences
Police are intensifying their search for Adam Edwards, a former Riverside College teacher wanted for a sexual offences case involving intimate imagery, registered at Bothasig SAPS in August 2024.
Riverside’s principal confirmed Edwards’ dismissal and urged parents to avoid speculation while offering support. The school is boosting cyber-safety measures and cooperating with police.
Tips? Call Detective Sergeant Nomabandla Jokazi at 082 827 2048 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
We don't feel safe in South Africa as men, we live in fear of our lives everyday and constantly fearing #AmINext? Your silence on this issue is deafeningly loud @womenforchange5
A Coloured student uses a racial slur, "K@ffirs," to insult Black students who are singing. The enemy will now try to divide us by exploiting racial, tribal, and religious differences.