10 strikers hurt during protest
2007-09-13 14:42
Johannesburg - Ten striking members of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) were injured in Germiston on Thursday during a protest at a car part producer, the union said.
Spokesperson Mziwakhe Hlangani said workers were demonstrating in front of Johnson and Murphy's company gate when Ekurhuleni metro police opened fire on them, allegedly without any provocation.
"Our members were singing liberation songs outside the gate when they were shot with rubber bullets. We are angry at the metro police and have asked the SAPS to investigate the matter," he said.
Workers in the motor industry are currently on strike demanding a nine percent wage hike, while employers are offering 8.5%.
The injured workers had been admitted at the Roseacres Clinic in Germiston for treatment.
Ekurhuleni metro police spokesman Inspector Kobeli Mokheseng said metro police fired rubber bullets to disperse a group of 50 toyi-toying workers after the group allegedly stoned them.
He said they had responded to a call that there was a violent protest at the company.
"On arrival protesters threw stone at us," he said.
Eight men and two women were slightly injured.
- SAPA