Protesters set trucks alight at plastics-manufacturing company

Two employees of a manufacturing company were left with minor injuries after protesters set four trucks alight and left six cars damaged on a company’s premises in Spartan on January 29.

The protest was in full swing at about 11.30am at Chet Chemicals on Steel Road in Spartan. It is believed the violence wass part of ongoing unrest in the plastics manufacturing industry.

According to Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services spokesperson William Ntladi, they received a call at 11.54am and responded.

“On arrival, we found four trucks had been set alight and six vehicles were damaged. The cause of the fire is still undetermined.

“However, information received on site was that workers on strike set these trucks alight,” said Ntladi. “It is alleged to be the plastics industry employees who also set trucks alight last year,” Ntladi said.

Ntladi said this could be a continuation of the strikes that took place in 2018.

“The occupants of the trucks sustained minor injuries and were treated on site by paramedics and later transported to hospital,” he added.

Some of the trucks were from Spartan Truck Hire.

“The estimated amount of damage to the trucks is uncertain. We still need to assess the vehicles for damage,” said an employee who wished to remain anonymous.

“The police are investigating a case of public violence. However, it is still premature to say when investigations will be concluded and we can establish who can be held responsible for the incident,” said Kempton Park SAPS spokesperson Capt Jethro Mtshali.

Chet Chemicals did not wish to comment on the matter.