The Department of Employment and Labour in the Western Cape closed the Oudtshoorn Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday following a visit by labour inspectors to the site after receiving a tip-off relating to non compliance.
The Department says the court was closed after the Inspectorate found the government facility unsafe and in contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The Inspectorate issued the court with a prohibition notice after a range of non-adherence to Occupational Health Safety and COVID-19 Regulations were observed.
The Department says in a statement that the prohibition notice essentially means that NO operations will take place at the Oudtshoorn Magistrate’s Court and that NO officials or visitors to the court will be allowed at the premises.
This notice will stand until lifted by the inspector.
It is expected that labour inspectors will now also inspect the courts in the Beaufort West, Calitzdorp, Ladismith and Prince Albert areas in an attempt to ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
