16 accused released on warning after violent Samwu protest in Johannesburg

Sixteen people accused of public violence after a protest by the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) in Johannesburg have been released on warning.

The accused appeared in the Johannesburg magistrate’s court on Wednesday after a protest over a dispute with the mayor turned violent on Monday.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said protesters burnt tyres, blocked roads and obstructed traffic.

A municipal truck driver was allegedly robbed of his cellphone during the incident, while the truck was damaged and pallets taken from it were set alight.

Police were called to disperse the crowd, but protesters resisted by throwing stones and bottles at officers.

Police pursued the alleged perpetrators, leading to the arrest of some of those involved.

The 16 accused face charges of public violence, malicious damage to property and contravening National Road Traffic Act regulations relating to conduct on public roads.

The matter was postponed to December 3 for further investigations. All 16 accused were released on warning.

The NPA said the right to protest must be exercised within the law, adding that violence, property damage and conduct that endangers public safety or disrupts traffic would be dealt with through the criminal justice system.