Three Mangaung Municipality workers who were arrested on Wednesday night during protests by workers affiliated to Samwu have been granted R1 000 bail each after appearing before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court this morning.
Nthateng Jantjie, Vincent Tsoametsi, and Mbuyiselo Magoithane appeared on charges of contravention of a court order as well as public violence following clashes with police during the strike action on Wednesday.
The State did not oppose the bail application. State prosecution also reminded the accused that the court order which instructed the workers to go back to work is still in effect.
The presiding Magistrate granted bail on the basis that they do not get involved in public demonstrations again while the case continues.
Jantjie and Magoithane revealed that they do not have any previous convictions or pending cases during proceedings. Tsoametsi said he has a previous conviction for the possession of a firearm in 1996.
Their next court appearance will be on 21 July 2017. Meanwhile, another 11 people were arrested on Thursday afternoon in connection to Wednesday’s strike action.
Moeketsi Mogotsi
