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16 Samwu protest accused released on warning in Johannesburg

Published

The 16 appeared in the Johannesburg magistrate's court on charges of public violence, malicious damage to property and contravening National Road Traffic Act regulations. The case was postponed to December 3 for further investigation.

The charges follow a protest on Monday by the South African Municipal Workers' Union over a dispute with the mayor. The protest turned violent. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said protesters burnt tyres, blocked roads and obstructed traffic.

The NPA also alleged that a municipal truck driver was robbed of his cellphone. It said pallets taken from the damaged truck were set alight. Reports said protesters threw stones and bottles at police officers who were called to disperse the crowd.

The NPA said the right to protest must be exercised within the law. It said violence and property damage would be dealt with through the criminal justice system.

Key facts

Who
Magaboke Mohlatlole (National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson); South African Municipal Workers' Union (union that held the protest)
What
Sixteen people appeared in the Johannesburg magistrate's court on charges of public violence, malicious damage to property and contravening National Road Traffic Act regulations after a Monday protest by the South African Municipal Workers' Union over a dispute with the mayor turned violent. All 16 were released on warning and the matter was postponed to December 3 for further investigations.
When
28 October 2026
Where
Johannesburg
Status
Reported

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