Crimewatch: Bogus labour inspectors
They effectively force employers to buy the charts, threatening them that failure to do so could result in inspectors being dispatched to their business to close it down. This is not true. The Department of Labour is not going around and selling any charts. Incidentally, the charts are easily obtainable from the government printers or stationary retailers, at a cheaper price. Call 012 334 4507/8/9 for more information.
The SA Red Cross Society says it's become aware that its emblem is being fraudulently used. Someone is illegally operating as the Society from Wesley House in Aliwal Street, Durban. Their offices are in fact in Kenneth Kaunda Drive, Durban North. The conartists promise members of the public employment at The South African Red Cross Society at a fee of R82. This is a scam. The Society says: "We do not under any circumstances charge a fee for employment at our organisation. We are uncertain on the number of people that have been affected by this scam. We urge all members affected to report this at the local police station." For any further enquiries please contact: Nirupa Kasserchun, Fundraising Manager and Claudine Pillay, HR Officer on 031 563 2914.
Musgrave resident Kate had several expensive and precious bonsais stolen from her Windmill Lane property last week. She later heard a guy was seen on Musgrave Road trying to sell bonsai trees. It may just be a coincidence, but Kate doesn't think so and asks that if you spot him please report it to the Berea police.
A frustrated Midlands resident was quick to email us at the first sign of snow to appeal to snow-seekers not to trespass on properties or break down fences to see the snow. The anonymous listener wrote: "We dread snow season because of the tourists causing major damage. And we do not like helping you when you get stuck with your vehicles in the snow, because you like to back chat us when we chase you away after YOU cut OUR fences." Fair point. But there's a sales opportunity for willing landowners to charge snow-seekers for legitimate access - and even for a cup of hot chocolate. Turn a negative into a profit!
Finally, a big thanks to Thunder Peak Spur on Pixley kaSeme Street, former West Street, who opened their doors for Newswatch journalist Khatija Nxedlana yesterday during the chaos in town. They'd closed their doors as protestors stormed the streets, vandalising property and cars with knobkerries and sticks. But when Khatija came knocking, they allowed her and a few others in, only opening the doors once the situation had called down outside.