Workers affiliated to trade union Numsa embarked on a violent strike that probably caused millions of rand in damages, from July 2.
Over 600 strikers, mostly wielding dangerous weapons, damaged vehicles and properties, assaulted people and looted several companies.
They forced a shut down at companies in Apex and the Benoni Industrial Sites, threatening to set alight those that do not adhere to the strike.
A seven-months pregnant woman was among those who were assaulted by the strikers this morning (July 3) at a company which does not employ Numsa members.
They gained entry to the premises by smashing the gate, and also stole laptops, cellphones and cash.
The owner who was beaten with a pipe described their behaviour as “barbaric”.
At Barker Performance Products, in Apex, they damaged cars, and broke windows and the electric fence.
Owner Cliff Barker said the strikers threatened to kill the staff if they did not close the company.
Several other companies and security personnel were attacked.
On July 2, local company David Brown Gear Systems suffered damage amounting to over R1 500 000 after being attacked by strikers.
While marching along Birmingham Street, strikers ripped out the gate of David Brown Gear Systems and forcefully entered the premises.
The company’s CEO, Mark Field, said they damaged quite a few machines and computers and looted laptops and tools.
“They threatened to burn the building if we did not get out in 15 minutes,” Field said, adding that a truck driver parked outside was also assaulted and his truck’s windscreen was smashed.
Field called their behaviour “unacceptable”, and said he will be laying a charge with the police and a complaint against the police.
What boggles the minds of all the victims is that police just watched and did nothing.
No one has been arrested.
EMPD spokesman Vusi Mabanga said Metro Police were deployed in the Benoni industrial area after strikers pelted cars with stones, but by the time the police arrived at the scene, the damage had already been done.
He added that strikers threw stones at cars parked inside company premises as they marched through the streets.
However, the Benoni police reported that the march was peaceful in the CBD.
Workers are demanding a 12 per cent increase.
