Staff allegedly told to let company search homes
Following "a theft" at Browns jewellers, female employees were reportedly told to wear sports bras instead.
The jewellers apparently took these drastic steps in an attempt to stop thieves at its head office in Dunkeld, northern Johannesburg, where expensive precious gems and metals are stored.
Browns has more than 30 stores around the country. It associates itself with celebrities such as singers Celine Dion, Jamiroquai's Jay Kay, actress Charlize Theron and, recently, CSI Miami star Eva La Rue.
When about 70 employees arrived for work, they were allegedly ordered to switch off their cellphones and told to sign permission slips allowing the company to search their homes, cars and persons.
In addition, they were informed that they were not allowed any communication with the outside world [while at work].
A staff member who spoke to The Times on condition of anonymity, said there were posters "all over the office" ordering employees not to talk to each other.
The source said their photographs were taken and their identity documents photocopied.
Browns co-owner Larry Brown allegedly told staff the jewellery manufacturer was doing this to rid the company of the "scum of the industry" [theft].
The staff member said Brown told them the company suspected at least 40 employees of stealing.
The offices' phone lines and Internet connections were cut for the day. Employees needed to ask permission to use the toilet and had to explain where they had bought or received all the jewellery they were wearing.
All attempts to contact Browns management failed yesterday. When The Times arrived at the offices, we were turned away by a gun-toting security guard.
Browns general manager Belinda Phillips later said in a statement that, after "a loss", one of their employees was arrested and police were investigating the matter.
"For security reasons, visits are granted by prior appointment only. It is for this reason that you were not granted access," she said.
Human Rights Commission spokesman Vincent Moaga encouraged Browns employees who felt violated by the company's new rules to report the matter to them.
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Ngempela