Eyewitness News: Govt urged to deal with violent strike

Rahima Essop | 27 September 2012
CAPE TOWN - The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) on Thursday labelled the violent truck driver strike as nothing short of economic sabotage.

The mass action has turned violent in some provinces, with drivers being intimidated and trucks being set alight.

Over 20,000 workers in the road freight industry are demanding a 12 percent salary increase.

The chamber’s Neren Rau has called on police to crack down on attempts to spread anarchy.

“We have called on government to respond swiftly and decisively, to deal with illegal and improper behaviour.”

Both Labour Minister Mildred Olifant and Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa have condemned the attacks.

Olifant said unions should not abuse their right to strike.

Three people were injured in protests on Gauteng’s East Rand and 45 demonstrators were arrested.
Striking workers in KwaZulu-Natal stoned vehicles.

In the Western Cape, two trucks were set alight in Nyanga on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, another truck has been set alight on the N2 highway.

Western Cape Traffic Chief Kenny Africa says, “A truck was set alight on the bridge that goes over the N2. However, the ingoing and outgoing traffic on the N2 has not been affected.”

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