Several windows of the company were broken in an attempt by the protestors to force the manager to exit the business.  The manager of the Eastleigh business, who did not want to be named out of fear of the strikers, did not understand why his business was targeted.

“The protestors arrived on Plantation Road at 10am. When they arrived I closed my business out of fear that the protest could turn violent. The protestors demanded that I exit the business. I refused and I called the police,” said the business manager.

“One police vehicle arrived on-scene and one of the two officers instructed me to exit the business premises so that the protestors could speak to me. I refused because I felt as though the officers had no control of the situation. The strikers could have over-powered the police easily,” he said.

“When I refused to exit, the police officers left. That is when the protestors started throwing stones at my business windows. I took cover in a locked office with three of my staff members,” he said.

According to the business manager, when the police returned, the protesters were already leaving the scene.

“When I asked why the police left in the first place, they told me I did not follow their instructions by going outside, so they could not help me,” he said.

The manager of the business said he feels let-down by the police.

“I have lost confidence in our police force. How was I supposed to risk my life by attempting to negotiate with the protestors? It is unbelievable that they would expect me to do so,” he said.

This incident follows the arrest of 26 Numsa members on Friday, July 4, for intimidation, public violence and malicious damage to property in Elandsfontein.

A number of workers in the metal sector went on an indefinite strike on July 1, demanding a 15 percent wage increase, the banning of labour brokers, the rejection of the youth wage subsidy and the review of short-time practice by companies.

Lieutenant Colonel Robbie Roberts from Edenvale SAPS commented, “I understand that the police officers were on the scene the entire time. We, as the police, have placed measures in place, in an attempt to ensure that there is no protests that turn violent. We dispatched a police vehicle to every Numsa protest and police vehicles were visible at every strike. The business manager who had his business vandalised must open a case  of intimidation and malicious damage to property so we can take legal action against the protesters,” he said.

“We ask the business owners to stay calm if there are protesters in their area. We as police are constantly monitoring the strikes,” said Lt Col Roberts.

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