[imagesource:pexels]

The Lower South Coast branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is currently investigating a disturbing case involving an employee who claims he was coerced into skinning a deceased dog by his Chinese employer in Harding, Kwazulu-Natal.

The employee, Menzi September, alleges that the owner of a local supermarket forced him to cut and skin the dog, which was apparently intended for consumption. Harmful stereotypes of the Chinese as ‘dog-eaters’ aside, that’s just plain disturbing, no matter the race of your employer.

It’s an understatement to say that September left his place of work in profound distress following the incident.

“I felt very humiliated, and my human dignity degraded. I am traumatised and do not feel like going back there. I told him that I was not comfortable, but he threatened me after skinning the dog.”

Apparently this cruel ‘punishment’ was handed down to September after he reported the business to the Department of Labour for violations of labor legislation.

The media has chosen not to disclose the name of the employer and his business, and has refrained from publishing any images due to the graphic nature of the horrific task placed on September.

Fair enough – the employer was lucky this time, because if word got out about his identity, you’d most likely see a mob of angry citizens rocking up to destroy his life. You might even see me holding a pitchfork at the front of the mob. Emotions aside, we do need to leave this one to the relevant law enforcement, no matter how much the nasty boss may deserve a good klap.

The South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu), of which September is a member, is actively filing a criminal case against the employer.

Saccawu’s KwaZulu-Natal regional secretary, Mathew Ndlovu, expressed that the union knew of the corners being cut by the employer and are working to assist September in holding the employer accountable.

“Saccawu is representing Menzi September. The member joined the union recently, and we discovered that there is a pending case where the employer has not complied with a directive from the Department of Labour.”

Ndlovu further revealed that the business owner had a slew of dodgy charges against him due to a variety of illegal business practices including failing to register employees for the unemployment insurance fund, neglecting to submit monthly contributions to the department, as well as failing to adhere to the basic conditions outlined in the Employment Act, National Minimum Wage Act, and Sectoral Determination Act. Not only does this boss clearly not care for animals, but workers too, apparently.

Ndlovu also expressed deep concern over the animal’s rights that were egregiously violated, in addition to September’s own human rights.

“They [September] found the situation to be devastating and traumatising, particularly because it is against September’s culture and religion and against human rights.”

The employer under investigation, who is of Chinese descent, purportedly entered South Africa under the guise of foreign investment. While supporting foreign investments, Saccawu opposes working relations between countries that exploit South African workers.

Mike Davis, operations supervisor at the Lower South Coast SPCA, confirmed that an investigation has also been initiated from their department.

Between the SPCA and Saccawu, there’s a good chance of nailing this sick-in-the-kop boss. As more details emerge and investigations get under way, all we can hope for is justice for September. And a lot of therapy, probably.

[source:news24]