Pretoria – The Shenanigans at Babel and Ocean Basket restaurants in Menlyn Mall took another twist after three workers were arrested and brought before a court for illegally being in South Africa.
Days after a video clip about the alleged exploitation of workers at the restaurant went viral on social media, three employees appeared at the Hatfield Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, (17 September 2024).
The workers 35-year-old Emery Niyomuremyi from Burundi, 34-year-old Amina Lameck from Malawi, and 38-year-old Kelechi Maduike from Nigeria face charges related to being in South Africa illegally..
Lameck, a chef, and Maduike a stock manager work at Babel, while Niyomuremyi works at Ocean Basket as a delivery man.
Lameck and Niyomuremyi were remanded in custody until 19 and 20 September 2024 for a formal bail application.
Maduike was also remanded in custody and will be back in court on 2 October 2024 for a formal bail application.
Matters came to a head after a video was circulated on TikTok by a disgruntled Babel former employee alleging that the restaurant was violating the Labour Relations Act.
“The three were arrested on the evening of 15 September 2024 at the restaurants by the Department of Home Affairs after they conducted a raid at both restaurants,” said National Prosecuting Authority Gauteng Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.
The manager of Babel restaurant, 42-year-old Raui Kobeissi, who was also arrested with the three workers, was released at the Brooklyn Police Station after he paid a R10 000 admission of guilt fine.
