Protesting firefighters probed

2009-06-11 09:01

Johannesburg - Police are investigating criminal charges against some firefighters following three violent incidents in an ongoing illegal protest, Johannesburg emergency services said on Thursday.

"So far, there have not been any arrests but there are investigations going on," said spokesperson Percy Morokane, denying that criminal charges had already been laid against some workers.

Members of the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) have been staying away from work since the start of last week, accusing the Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (JEMS) of reneging on a wage agreement.

Interdict

The firefighters were staying away from work despite a Labour Court interdict declaring their action illegal.

"We obtained a court order and, clearly, what is happening now, is in violation of that particular court order," said Morokane.

Police investigations were under way following three incidents since the protest started, including a fire at Brixton fire station, vandalism at Lonehill fire station and people picketing and barricading entry at the Sandton fire station on Thursday.

"If a person is reasonably suspected of committing a crime, that particular person will be arrested and will be prosecuted," said Morokane.

- SAPA