COSATU North West press statement on shooting of farm-workers by son of Mr Swart at Delareyville on 16th May 2008 at 2h00 in the morning
The Congress of South African Trade Unions in the North West condemns strongly the killing of farm workers allegedly by Jako Swart who used an unlicensed fire arm to kill Mr Thipe and shoot Mr Klas Mogale critically during the early hours of 16th May 2008 at 2H00.
As the federation we are seriously concerned at the following:
- That the racial killing is increasing in our province. Therefore there is no deference from this shooting and the one at Swartruggens. The son of Mr Swart used his father's unlicensed fire-arm to kill two farm workers as Johan Nel did. Jako Swart killed workers on Friday yet till now he is not arrested.
- That this programme is led by some few white racial people and the Department of Justice and Safety.
Therefore we are calling the Minister of Safety to:
- Act and protect the masses of the people on the ground who are faced with racial killings every week and every month.
- Stop protecting few people who are not complying with the policies of the government, people who continue to assault, kill and abuse poor workers and use their money to get off in court.
We are also calling the arrest of the alleged killer, Jako Swart, today, failing which we will mobilise our members to protest at the Delareyville police station.
Statement issued by Solly N Phetoe of COSATU North West May 19 2008
