RAISE YOUR DEMANDS ORDERLY OR RISK BEING ARRESTED - WARNS MINISTER MTHETHWA
No acts of criminality will be tolerated under disguise of demand for better wages

CAPE TOWN - 16 February 2011.  Striking workers from any sector of the economy need to raise their demands in an orderly and dignified manner and refrain from destroying property, assaulting non-striking workers and causing mayhem (see Eyewitness News report).  Any opposite and deviant conduct will be severely punished by government.

This is a stern warning given by the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa this morning in the wake of recent reported acts of intimidation and destruction of property by striking truck drivers in various parts of the country.  This trend (of intimidating, breaking of properties and assaulting others) was also experienced during last year's public service strike.

"Lest we become ignorant, strikes are a democratic and constitutional right of every worker to express themselves, which government fully respects such expressions.  However what the constitution does not prescribe is violent, barbaric and intolerant behavior by striking workers," stated the Minister.

He also challenged and urged union leaders to discourage their members from such ill-behaviour because when law enforcement agencies apply the force, nobody should cry foul.  "Police have a mandate to protect law-abiding citizens and those who find themselves on the wrong side; we shall have no leniency on them.  We also urge community members who witness such evil actions to report them to the police.  No person has the right to take the law into their own hands under whichever disguise of wage demands," added Minister Mthethwa.

Minister Mthethwa further highlighted that those sporadic incidents of criminality that were experienced in Ermelo yesterday must stop with immediacy.  "Just like the truck drivers strike we noted disturbing incidents of looting of shops and assaults and we once again want to reiterate that government shall act without fear or favour to protect law-abiding incidents."

The ministry is aware that the majority of striking workers are tolerant and law-abiding but it is only a few minority with criminal mindsets who commit such acts; thus negatively tarnishing the image of other workers. 

Statement issued by Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson to the Minister of Police, February 16 2011

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