Threat against trade unionist: In December 2012, a gang of heavily armed thugs came to the home of the General Secretary of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU). He was not at home but police investigation established that the gang had been acting on instruction with an intention to harm and possibly assassinate him.

Police violence: More than 800 farm workers took part in the protest in Nkqubela, Robertson in January 2013. However, shortly into the protest police officers arrived on the road with guns and opened fire on the protesters forcing them back into their communities where police continued to fire at the people. Several people were wounded in this latest incident of police brutality and the Human Rights Commission has been contacted to look into the matter.

On 16 August 2012, the police opened fire while trying to disperse a group of striking mineworkers in Nkaneng, killing 34 and wounding 78. The workers had been carrying knobkerries, pangas, sticks, and iron rods. The strike which began on 10 August was in relation to pay increases.

Disclaimer: © ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.