Shop steward shot during protest at Pinetown manufacturer
An attempted murder case is being investigated after a union shop steward was allegedly shot by a security officer in Pinetown.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) says the shooting happened on Monday outside a manufacturer of electrical parts for big appliance brands.
Spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola says workers were protesting as part of a month-long strike over a wage dispute.
She says security officers opened fire on the crowd, hitting Immanuel Mnyandu in the chest and critically wounding him.
READ: Workers at Pinetown manufacturer down tools over salaries
She says the company responded to a peaceful protest with violence.
"Workers are demanding a 6% across the board increase, but the employer is only offering 3%.
"Our members have a constitutionally protected right to picket, and they should not lose their lives for exercising their democratic right.
"We are dealing with racist employers who do not regard our members as human beings, who deserve to be treated with dignity, after producing surplus-value."
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