Update: Rubber bullets fly
Both the SA Municipal Worker's Union secretary and deputy chairman, were shot and injured by rubber bullets fired by police, following yet another stalemate between the municipality and SAMWU on Wednesday.
They, together with a group of striking municipal employees, were then taken to the police station.
The public has been very critical about the police’s ampathy against violent protesters since Friday last week.
On Wednesday our men and women in blue however decided “no more” and as soon as SAMWU members exited the municipal grounds around 15:00, rubber bullets went flying.
Shots were fired at an assembly of strikers who could be seen lounging in the park next to the civic centre since start of business.
According to Captain Khanyisile Zwane, police had to retaliate by firing rubber bullets, when the group of strikers started pelting the municipal building with stones, and set the palm trees in the park alight.
“One of the protesters also threw a firebomb at a police officer, and left them no choice but to act,” Captain Zwane says.
“No one was however charged, and the investigation is ongoing”.
• Municipal workers in Hendrina has also downed tools in solidarity with the four traffic officers on suspension.
Read previous stories here:
Update: Violence escalating in municipal strike
Video: Pepper spray, threats, as traffic officers go on strike
Update: ‘Law enforcers lawless’ MM says
