Complaints by employees against their employers continue to pour in, especially from security guards against their bosses running security businesses.
What is worrying is that the clients of many of these security companies depend on these very same security guards to protect their families, their properties and themselves. These clients are not aware that they may be at risk as their ‘protectors’ are aggrieved and not happy in their jobs, due to amongst others, not being paid in full for their dues, not being paid according to prescribed salaries for security guards and also unacceptable working conditions.
This follows yet another security guard complaining about not receiving money due to him for work performed. The security guard, Andrew Nemashakwe complained to the Laudium Sun about his former employer Safety Security Solutions (SSS), based on Amesite St, Raslouw Glen, Centurion, regarding unpaid wages. Andrew alleged, “I was employed by SSS, and the company did not pay my full salary for the time I worked there, although I worked very hard. I joined the company on December 13, 2024, and worked for only two days, as they wanted me to fix my papers. I took unpaid leave and re-joined on December 16, 2024. I worked from December 16 until January 2, 2025. Thereafter and all of a sudden the owner of the company told me not to come to work, claiming that I didn’t have the correct paperwork. However, I had all my valid paperwork, but they simply wanted me out. I was a security patroller with the company, and my monthly salary was R3200 per month. I worked hard for the company, putting in my full effort, but in the end, all I received was betrayal from SSS. They treated me badly, hiring me when they needed me, and then firing me when they hired new people. I called them many times, but they did not answer my calls and then they even blocked my number. They owe me about R2000 for the days I worked there. I kindly request the Laudium Sun to help me to get the money owed to me for the 15 days I worked for the company.”
The Laudium Sun then contacted the owner of Safety Security Solutions (SSS), Victor Govender, for a comment on the allegations made by Andrew. Victor said, “I was completely unaware of the situation involving my ex-employee, Andrew. I was in Durban for the holiday period, and during that time, my manager was handling everything. It was a busy month in December, and we urgently needed someone, so my manager hired Andrew. The manager asked Andrew to bring in all his paperwork, which Andrew promised to do after one or two days. Andrew worked the night shift. The manager repeatedly asked him to bring his paperwork, including his ID and certificate. Andrew, originally from Zimbabwe, is a foreigner in this country. Initially, we thought his paperwork was in order, but he lied to us. He kept making excuses for not submitting the required documents. Days passed, but he still didn’t bring anything and instead submitted fake documents. When we verified his paperwork with the Private Security Industry Regulation Act, we discovered that all his documents were fake. When we informed Andrew of this, he stopped coming to work on January 2. However, as the owner of this company I want to clarify that we treat all employees equally, regardless of their gender or origin. I paid Andrew in full for the period he worked, from December 16 until January 2. I also fired the manager for his negligence. He should have been more proactive and ensured that all new recruits hired had the proper paperwork. I run a legitimate company with VIP clients, and I don’t want someone using fake documents to get a job and potentially put us in trouble.”
In response Andrew said that his papers to work in South Africa are all in order and that Victor was just making excuses to get rid of him.