Seven arrested, one for ‘throwing faeces at home affairs office’, as Nehawu strike rages on

“In Free State three people were arrested at Pelonomi Hospital for allegedly blocking the main entrance to the hospital. All three have been charged with public violence,” she said.

In North West, three women aged 32,49 and 56 were arrested for public violence after they were allegedly found burning tyres on James Moroka Road.

No arrests were made in Gauteng, Mathe said. However, she said “police had to use stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse protesters e blocking the main entrance and roads leading into Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital”.

“Public order police are monitoring and [maintaining] high visibility in all affected areas,” Mathe said.

Police came under fire this week for their poor handling of the strike in its early days. Health minister Joe Phaahla urged police to swiftly arrest protesters violating the court interdict after reports emerged they were blocking entrances to Helen Joseph Hospital.

Phaahla and his entourage could not enter the hospital via the main gate as a result of this.

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