Section 43: Inspectors

(1) An inspector appointed for the purpose of the administration of the fund under this Act may in execution of his or her duties enter, at all reasonable times, any premises or place of trade or business where he or she has reasonable cause to believe that persons are being employed in respect of whom contributions are payable under this Act and may- (a) make any examination or inquiry to satisfy himself or herself that the provisions of this Act are being complied with; (b) question any employer, employee or any other person on any matter concerning the application of or compliance with any of the provisions of this Act; or (c) require the production for examination of any book, register, account, receipt or other document relating to contributions or to liability to register or contribute under this Act, and may make a copy of or an extract from any such document. (2) Every inspector shall be furnished with a certificate of his or her appointment signed by or under the authority of the Minister, and, if so required, on applying for admission to any premises or place for the purposes of this Act, shall produce the certificate to the occupier or the person holding a responsible position of management at such premises or place. (3) The Minister may appoint any public officer to be an inspector for the purposes of this Act and may, subject to such conditions and limitations as he or she may specify in the appointment, confer on that public officer all or any of the functions of an inspector under this Act. (4) Any person who- (a) obstructs an inspector in the exercise of his or her powers under this Act; (b) refuses or neglects to answer any question; or (c) refuses to furnish any information or to produce any documents when required to do so, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred currency points or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both. [subsection (4) amended by section 21 of Act 1 of 2022] [Please note: The amending document shows that some words were missing in this subsection before it was amended.] Legal proceedings