This is according to Capt Joep Joubert, spokesperson for the Brakpan police station commander, in response to an allegation that local police did nothing while striking Numsa workers caused chaos in Vulcania earlier this week.
Adam Greve, from local business Vulcania Reinforcing, reported that police “did nothing except try to record the members with their cellphones” when workers damaged the property on Wednesday.
The strikers smashed windows, damaged a bakkie, attempted to burn an electrical box and even hurled a petrol bomb at the business.
Greve claimed police said they are not trained in handling large crowds.
“It is not true that our officers aren’t trained,” said Joubert.
“We do the first call out and if the situation gets completely out of hand, the Crime Combatting Unit (riot police) is called in.”
Joubert told the Herald that police were concerned about an incident this week, where a Vulcania business owner allegedly shot at strikers with a paintball gun.
“This does nothing but aggravate the situation and could put his life, his employees and the police officer’s lives at risk,” he said.
Joubert added that business owners are welcome to open a case of damage to property at the police station.
Brakpan police can be contacted on 011 744 4940.
Read the full story: Violent strikers petrol bomb company in Vulcania
