Legal trade union protest goes smoothly in Germiston

The civic centre in Germiston was a hub of activity on October 7 when about 300 trade union members demonstrated peacefully.

According to EMPD spokesperson Kobeli Mokheseng, the protesters delivered a memorandum of demands to a delegated MMC before the cooperative assembly dispersed.

“EMPD officers from precincts and specialised services were on alert in and around the City of Ekurhuleni before, during and after the national planned strike by different trade unions yesterday,” said Mokheseng.

He said throughout the day, there were reports of legal gatherings, marches and demonstrations in the Kempton Park area as well.

“Just after lunchtime, another peaceful group was spotted at the corner of CR Swart and Monument.

“The flow of traffic was temporarily affected; however, SAPS and EMPD escorted demonstrators to speed up the process,” he said.

He added the EMPD Freeway Unit members also responded to a truck blocking a throughway in Vosloorus.

“The N3 South between Leondale and Barry Marais off-ramp, came to a standstill until 1.30pm, due to a truck with two trailers, parked intentionally across the freeway, preventing other motorists to pass. A private car towing company on standby was summoned and the truck causing obstruction was safely removed.

“The male truck driver in his 40’s claimed he was forced to block the freeway by unknown people, who also took his truck keys before they drove off in a light delivery vehicle.

“EMPD officers and other law enforcers will continue to be visible and monitor public roads and places of interests, including freeways,” said Mokheseng.