Six security guards in South Africa are taking legal action against their employer, Inqolonqolo Security Protection, for allegedly withholding wages and unfair dismissals. The guards, represented by BM Mazibuko Attorneys, claim the company owes them over R27,000 in unpaid wages and statutory benefits. According to the National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector, the company was found to have committed multiple breaches of sector regulations.
The dispute centers on alleged contract irregularities, unlawful hourly wage rates, and missing statutory benefits. The guards were reportedly paid an unlawful rate of R20 per hour, working 12-hour shifts and receiving about R5,280 per month, while missing out on mandatory night shift allowances, Sunday pay, and public holiday rates. Enforcement documents confirm that Inqolonqolo Security Protection owes R24,624 in direct salary shortfalls and unpaid Sunday work.
A representative of the company, Mr. Gule, refused to comment on the allegations and NBCPSS compliance order, citing a lack of information and unavailability of other spokespersons. The council's audit records reveal that Inqolonqolo Security Protection was ordered to rectify multiple breaches, including R14,016 in basic salary underpayments and R9,583 in unpaid Sunday work compensation.
The workers claim that payslips, salary references, and timesheets showed confusion regarding the company's identity, with two similarly named variations: Ingongolo Security Protection and Inqolonqolo Security Protection. One worker, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that his payslips lacked official company stamps and that management provided arbitrary settlement amounts.
The workers also claim that no UIF contributions were deducted from their salaries, reflecting R0.00 under UIF and PAYE, with only a R6 PSIRA fee deducted. The NBCPSS escalated the matter to arbitration in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, but settlement talks broke down. The guards are now seeking to recover their owed wages and resolve the issue through legal channels.
One of the security guards claimed he was summarily dismissed after an allegation of stealing cement, which he denies. He stated that he was fired without a fair process or disciplinary hearing, negatively affecting his life and that of his four children. The guard's situation highlights the human impact of the alleged wage theft and unfair dismissals.
The case highlights the need for greater accountability in the private security sector, particularly regarding wage payments and employee rights. The outcome of the arbitration and potential further action by the NBCPSS will be closely watched by workers and employers in the sector.
Key points
- Inqolonqolo Security Protection owes R27,249 in unpaid wages and statutory interest penalties to six security guards.
- The company was found to have committed multiple breaches of sector regulations, including unlawful salary deductions and unpaid overtime.
- The matter has been escalated to arbitration, with the workers seeking to recover their owed wages and resolve the issue through legal channels.
