Strike escalates as instigators lock down civic centre
Anxious calls from employees who are locked up in the municipal building have been received, confirming that strike instigators have once again gathered outside the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality where workers who have shown up are facing intimidation and violence from their striking colleagues.
An employee who requested anonymity, informed www.mobserver.co.za that a handful of employees reported for duty this morning and are locked in with strikers blocking off all access.
The employee confirmed that their distress calls were answered by Mid Alarms reaction officers, who are currently at the scene.
Several calls to the Middelburg Police Station have been made, but the employee could not confirm whether the SAPS responded.
“We have reported for duty, and now face intimidation. We are trapped in the building and cannot leave because the strikers will intimidate and assault us.”
• A municipal employee was assaulted yesterday after going to the office to attend to urgent work. The employee was thrown out of their office with force and their car was pelted with rocks and stones.
Residents are advised not to visit the municipal premises, and that the illegal municipal strike is ongoing.
