Mugg and Bean Menlyn, a popular restaurant located in Menlyn Park Mall, was raided by Gauteng labour and Home Affairs officials this week, leading to a dramatic scene as employees attempted to evade arrest.
Story Summary:
- Gauteng labour officials raided Mugg and Bean Menlyn, arresting three employees, including a manager, for lacking proper documentation.
- One worker attempted to hide inside a fridge, while others caused a partial ceiling collapse trying to evade authorities.
- The raid is part of a wider crackdown on labour law violations in the hospitality sector, following similar operations at Babel and TANG restaurants.
Mugg and Bean Menlyn targeted in raid: Here’s what authorities found
During the operation, three employees, including a manager, were apprehended for failing to possess the proper documentation required for employment in South Africa.
In a startling moment, one of the workers was found hiding inside a fridge in an attempt to avoid detection.
The intensity of the raid caused panic among the staff, leading to a partial ceiling collapse as some workers overloaded it while trying to escape from the authorities.
Witnesses reported that the lights went off, and several workers fled the premises in desperation.
Gauteng Labour Dept’s no-nonsense raids stir unrest in hospitality sector
The recent raid at Mugg and Bean Menlyn is the latest in a series of high-profile operations conducted by the Gauteng labour department and Home Affairs targeting restaurants across the province.
Earlier this week, enforcement units raided the upscale TANG restaurant in Sandton and Babel restaurant in Menlyn, uncovering several violations related to undocumented workers and unlawful labour practices.
During the TANG restaurant raid, authorities arrested four undocumented workers and a manager who was responsible for handling hiring and payroll.
TANG’s management has since released a statement defending their employment practices, claiming that they operate in accordance with the Bargaining Council Agreement for the Restaurant, Catering, and Allied Trades.
They further emphasised that they have been cooperating with government agencies to resolve any discrepancies, noting that some of the workers were in the process of renewing expired permits.
Labour inspectors have been scrutinising these establishments, focusing on compliance with the National Minimum Wage Act, the Unemployment Insurance Act, and occupational health and safety regulations.
“We are determined to ensure that every worker in South Africa is treated fairly and paid in accordance with the law,” Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth stated at the time.
The crackdown on illegal labour practices is part of a larger campaign aimed at ensuring the hospitality industry complies with South Africa’s labour laws.
Restaurants, cafés, and other hospitality venues have faced increased scrutiny, with inspectors checking for proper documentation, fair wages, and adherence to legal employment practices.
