Businesses in Pietermaritzburg have pushed back after their operations were severely affected this week when the Labour and Civic Organisation (Laco) stormed their properties and threatened several others. Daymed Private Hospital, according to its legal representative, has obtained an urgent interdict against Laco, restraining members from entering its property, disrupting operations, and intimidating staff and patients. According to the court papers, the urgent application was to interdict the unlawful conduct of the organisation, “who are involved in a campaign to intimidate, harass, and threaten the Daymed Private Hospital’s personnel, agents, patients or contractors … and to interrupt and/or disturb business operations.” Videos and images circulating online show groups of Laco protesters inside and outside business premises, with many wearing MK Party regalia.
Police have vowed to act against any unlawful behaviour, while urging restraint and calling on those involved to exercise their right to protest within the confines of the law. uMgungundlovu District police spokesperson Sergeant Sifiso Gwala said the business sector and the SA Police Service (SAPS) are expected to meet today to address safety concerns. Gwala said the engagement is intended to assure business owners that SAPSwill attend to any incidents, should they arise.
He added that no injuries have been reported and no cases have been opened since the protests took place. “I want to implore citizens to remember that they have the right to protest and the responsibility to do so peacefully,” he said. The Department of Employment and Labour has condemned Laco’s actions, stating that only the department has the legal authority to conduct workplace inspections.
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