Limpopo police are seeking a court interdict to prevent the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) from staging demonstrations at the Beitbridge South African-Zimbabwean border crossing on Wednesday.
Police spokesperson Superintendent Mohale Ramatseba said on Monday they feared the march would disturb traffic and road safety in the area as well as security in general.
”We are opposing the march because we believe it will disturb traffic especially along the busy N1 towards Beitbridge. We are worried about the effect it will have on the safety of motorists and pedestrians, and of economic activities,” said Ramatseba.
The application will be heard at the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday.
Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven said he did not see why the decision would be overturned as the trade union organisation has followed all proper procedures in getting permission to hold the demonstration.
”We believe we have a strong case as it is our constitutional right to hold demonstrations. We applied for permission and don’t see any reason why this decision would be overturned,” said Craven.
He said the march, which takes place on the eve of the Zimbabwean elections, will be followed by a night vigil on the border.
He said this will carry on until the following day.
”The demonstrations form part of Cosatu’s on-going campaign to show solidarity with Zimbabwean trade unions. We will continue to act on behalf of Zimbabwean workers until all the restrictions under which they work have been lifted,” said Craven.
He said union body has also encouraged trade unions in other neighbouring countries to hold similar demonstrations but said had no idea when these would be.
Should the court rule in favour of Cosatu, Ramatseba said they would intensify security forces in the area. – Sapa