Pretoria | Saturday
THE South African government on Friday said they had closed a textile factory in the southeastern KwaZulu-Natal province following the death of twins born in the plant because their mother was trapped inside.
Labour Department occupational health inspector Faiza Salie said the factory would not be allowed to continue operations until it provided proper emergency exits for its staff.
“Inspectors served a prohibition notice on the company and the owner essentially prohibiting from operating his production,” she told SABC public radio.
Nokuthula Hlatshwayo gave birth to twins a week ago while allegedly locked in overnight in the factory in Newcastle, some 350 kilometres southeast of Johannesburg.
She could not get out and paramedics were unable to get inside until the owner opened the gates the next morning.
One baby died during birth and the other passed away the next day on his way to hospital.
A South African Clothing and Textiles Union (Sactwu) representative condemned the incident, saying the area had seen a significant growth in sweatshop factories, where workers’ rights were ignored and trade unions were refused recognition.
“Our regional organiser has gone to the local police station to ask the police to lay a charge of culpable homicide,” Ebrahim Patel said.
“This matter puts the spotlight on barbaric labour practices in parts of the clothing industry that has no place in a democracy,” he said.
Local police confirmed they were investigating but said the factory’s owner has not been interviewed as he required the assistance of a Chinese translator.
In November last year 11 workers — 10 of them women — burnt to death in a shoe polish factory south of Johannesburg, allegedly after being locked inside. – AFP