BHUNYA: The Industrial Court of eSwatini has authorized the police to disperse any illegal gathering at the Usuthu Forest Products Company Limited(Montigny Investments).
Workers went on a rampage on Friday, attempted to force entry and burn the company’s machinery, they demanding a salary increment and or better working conditions.
A court order in our possession suggests that the court further authorized the police to arrest any person who will commit criminal acts of obstruction, intimidation, harassment, abuse, assault and arson.
“Authorising and directing members of the Eswatini Police to take such steps as are necessary to restore law and order and ensure there is compliance with this order of court by dispersing any unlawful gathering, and arresting, taking into custody and charging persons committing criminal acts of any kind in their presence or otherwise including obstruction, intimidation, harassment, abuse, assault, violence and arson,” reads the court order in part.
It is alleged that the company ran to court on Friday after the workers attempted to force entry with an intention to burn company property.
Wander Mkhonza, Winile Mlotsa, the Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland(ATUSWA),the Swaziland Agricultural and Plantations Workers Union(SAPAWU) and the National Commissioner of Police were cited as respondents in the matter.
Montigny workers protesting on Thursday.