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Workers turn violent in wage dispute

MAYHEM: Emalahleni municipality workers took to streets over a pay dispute and in the process turned Witbank into a rubbish bin. © Sowetan.
MAYHEM: Emalahleni municipality workers took to streets over a pay dispute and in the process turned Witbank into a rubbish bin. © Sowetan.

Riot Hlatshwayo

Riot Hlatshwayo

Vandalism brokr out at the Emalahleni municipality in Witbank when workers took to the streets over a wage dispute.

Sowetan has learnt that workers have vowed not to return to work until the matter is sorted out.

The police had to intervene and disperse the protesters who were burning objects everywhere.

Rubbish bins were overturned and papers burnt in front of the municipal offices, while shops had to be closed for fear of looting.

DA chief whip Clive Hatch called on the municipality and police to charge those who damaged property.

"While we respect the rights of trade unions to collective bargaining, we do not, under any circumstances, support violence or malicious damage to property," Hatch said.

Police spokesman Captain Leonard Hlathi also criticised the violent manner in which workers voiced their concerns.

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