Farmworker strike turns violent, 50 arrested
2013-01-09 13:39
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Hundreds of protesters resumed wage strikes resulting in clashes between farmworkers and the police. See the pictures.
De Doorns - At least 50 people were arrested in the Western Cape on Wednesday
when renewed farmworker strikes for better wages turned
violent.
Lieutenant Colonel Andre Traut said riot police had been
deployed to contain the situation in the Boland farming town of De Doorns.
"We are taking action, and arrests are being
effected," Traut said, adding that "in the region of 50" people
had been detained since the protests began early on Wednesday.
N1 closed
Protesters stoned cars, prompting the police to close roads.
The N1 was closed outside De Doorns, forcing motorists to use alternative
routes.
Farmworkers said they would not return to the vineyards on
Wednesday afternoon as the situation had become too volatile.
De Doorns was also at flashpoint two months ago when Boland
farmworkers went on strike over low pay and poor working conditions.
Hopes were dashed this week that talks organised by the
department of labour would yield an agreement and avert another round of
protests.
- SAPA
