The Bloemfontein city hall, which is a national monument, was completely destroyed after Samwu workers who had been on strike for a month set fire to the building.
After the barbaric protesters had set the hall on fire, they went into the Bloemfontein streets and damaged vehicles and other property.
Last week it was reported that the strike would be settled after an agreement with the mayor was reached.
Since then, Mayor Olly Mlamleli apparently did not comply with the agreement and even refused to sign the agreement at the local labor forum. Hence, workers would receive R2 500 per month salary increase.
The strikers gathered in the city hall earlier in the afternoon and set the wooden floors on fire, which could be extinguished every time. Throughout the time they danced and spurred each other into rebellion.
Three alleged arsonists were arrested by police.
It is not yet clear whether the historic city hall will be rebuilt.
Read the original article in Afrikaans on Die Vryburger
South Africa Today – South Africa News
