Satawu says 'sorry' for chaos

2006-05-17 10:52

Cape Town - The chairperson of the SA Trade and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) in the Western Cape, Jerome Fortune, has apologised for the violent rampage through Cape Town by striking guards on Tuesday.

He also said Satawu members would likely lay charges of assault against police.

Fortune was speaking at Cape Town magistrate's court on Wednesday morning as he waited for the appearance of his regional secretary Evan Abrahamse and a number of other unionists arrested during Tuesday's violence.

"We as Satawu would like to apologise to the community of the Western Cape for all the violence that took place yesterday.

"As Satawu we don't condone any of this violence that took place and we will be dealing with it on a one-on-one basis with the people who were involved," he said.

Satawu would get "feedback" from the people who were arrested.

It would also look at the arson incident that led to the cancellation of trains on the Cape Flats on Wednesday morning.

He said he was "sure" that charges would be laid against the police "because some of the guys were assaulted".

"They did not throw stones or anything - they were shot from behind."

He said Satawu would be taking part in Cosatu's job losses march through the city on Thursday.

Asked what guarantees he could give that there would not be a repeat of Tuesday's violence, he said "guarantees can never be given where marches and strikes are concerned. We can't guarantee anything for now. But from our side, we will be having a watchful eye. Luckily we will have many more marshals".

He said he thought Thursday's march should be allowed to go ahead because its focus would be on job losses rather than Satawu's pay dispute.

- SAPA