Strike, killing link probed

2005-08-02 18:17

Pretoria - No links had been established between a Monday-afternoon murder and strike action by members of the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu), said police on Tuesday.

"The details of the incident are sketchy at this point and we don't want to speculate on the involvement of unions in the matter.

Captain Piletji Sebola of Pretoria police said: "No links between the incident and the strikes have been established."

He said police received a call on Monday afternoon about a man lying motionless in Marabastad near the city centre.

"Police found the man lying there covered with bruises and wounds. Paramedics were called and he was declared dead," said Sebola.

The man had been identified as 52-year-old Lucas Monahane of Mamelodi.

He said 10 other people were found in the vicinity with varying injuries.

No strike compromise yet

"A murder case is being investigated as well as 10 charges of assault. Police are taking statements from the injured."

Samwu members' three-day strike came to an end on Friday with workers still not willing to compromise on their demand for a 9% increase. The SA Local Government Association is offering 6%.

On MOnday, Tshwane's municipal offices in Centurion were closed and staff fled after striking Samwu members trashed the premises.

The metro council said at the time it intended pressing vandalism charges against them.

- SAPA