Vat Alles workers who torched five cars during a violent protest in Soshanguve this week had wanted to be paid despite being absent from work, Tshwane metro said on Friday.
“Their payments were withheld due to absenteeism on numerous occasions,” said metro spokesperson Blessing Manale.
The workers went on the rampage, setting alight five of the municipality’s vehicles and smashing the windows of another car.
They had been employed on a contract basis by the metro under the government’s extended public works programme.
The group demanded on Thursday to be permanently employed by the city and insisted that their docked stipends from the past two months be paid to them.
Manale said the Tshwane metro had suspended a handful of people it believed instigated the destruction of government property during a protest.
“We have identified the instigators of the violent protest and the destruction of council and private property, and have served them with letters of suspension as employees of the Vat Alles programme.”
He said the workers also faced criminal charges.
“We confirm that no employee has been served with any termination notice as most of the employees have indicated their willingness to return to work.”
Mayor Kgosientsho Ramokgopa assigned mayoral committee member George Matjila to continue talks with the group.
“We noted that the majority of the Vat Alles brigade have committed to returning to work under the same employment conditions,” said Manale.
He said a select group was still intimidating the workers.
The same workers tried to disrupt a council meeting last week.
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