About 500 striking security guards were arrested in Durban on Friday after they ransacked the Department of Labour’s offices, KwaZulu-Natal police said.
”About 600 people marched illegally to the Department of Labour in Masonic Road,” Inspector Michael Read said. ”They invaded the building and caused damage to property, furniture, motor vehicles and computers.”
Some staff sustained minor injuries.
Read said police cordoned off the scene and arrested 500 people. They were taken to Durban Central police station, charged with public violence, malicious damage to property and trespassing, and detained.
Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana condemned the violence by South African Trade and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) members.
”The actions of these people are a serious indictment on a union that was founded on democratic principles,” he said in a statement.
While the extent of the damage has not yet been fully established, it has become clear that service delivery at the centre has been severely affected and has come to a halt.
Satawu has said it would comply with a Labour Court interdict brought against it by employers on Thursday. It bars Satawu members from intimidating, assaulting and harassing non-striking workers and the public in general.
”We have received this and have agreed to inform our members so that this order can be complied with throughout the areas where our members are striking,” said spokesperson Ronnie Mamba. — Sapa