Mayoral spokesperson Zweli Dlamini took the media on a tour of the vandalised metro offices, in Germiston, today (August 27).
This came after people who claimed to be military veterans stormed the offices at the Germiston Civic Centre, yesterday (August 26).
Dlamini said the metro cannot confirm whether the protesters were indeed MK (Umkhonto we Sizwe) struggle veterans.
The protesters said they were promised a demilitarisation programme by the metro, that should have came with jobs, but it never materialised.
“We’ll treat this matter as an act of criminality until proven otherwise,” he added.
“These people were inside the building, but the media only saw them outside.
“People were injured; staff members and our security officers were attacked.
“It started off with people who were outside and they were not necessarily toi-toing at first.
“They then moved into the building towards the first floor, but they could not gain access, because of the security.”
Dlamini said some of the strikers remained outside, while others managed to gain access to the building by using a back entrance.
“They entered the Speaker’s office, stole food from the office fridge and damaged property,” he added.
“They then tried to enter the mayor’s office as well, but they failed to break down the door, so they moved to the chief whip’s office, kicked down the doors and broke office equipment.”
Dlamini said the EMPD had to call the Germiston SAPS for assistance, tear gas had to be used and arrests were then made.
The EMPD and the Germiston SAPS said all official comments will come from Dlamini.
“We did not know that they were coming, there was no warning and there was no memorandum,” added Dlamini.
He informed the GCN that the people arrested by the police are expected to appear in the Germiston Magistrates Court today.
The GCN is awaiting further information on the development of the story.
