Protesters removed from Walmer liquor store
THE Walmer township residents escorted from the premises of Prestons Liquor Store in Main Road, Walmer, on Saturday have vowed to return to shut down the shop until their demands are met.
A group of six protesters were escorted from the premises after they prevented shoppers from entering the building on Saturday afternoon.
The men said they wanted answers from the owner after some staff had complained to the EFF about working conditions.
Thulani Ngqeza said: “We came here peacefully to engage with management, but we were removed.”
Another resident, Unathi Mayana, said: “The EFF approached the company to arrange a meeting, but management said they needed to consult with the board. “[The leadership was] waiting for three months. “We went on Saturday in a small number and spoke to the director on the phone. The store manager was very cooperative and we had a peaceful conversation, but suddenly there were police.
“The only thing left is to mobilise the entire community of Walmer township to occupy the store until [management] comes to speak to us.”
EFF regional spokesman Luvuyo Ponase said: “The protest was not done in the name of the EFF. “The workers came to us and we are behind them. “We will schedule a meeting with their employer to take forward their grievances.”
Prestons director Peter Pitsiladi denied that management had not responded to the EFF’s requests.
“Following an incident [in April] when the EFF disrupted our business, Prestons was granted a temporary interdict restraining the EFF from unlawful conduct at any of our stores, pending the return date on June 26, when a final interdict will be sought.
“Although not required by the temporary interdict, the management later held a meeting with the EFF when a number of points were raised by the EFF, principally relating to employment issues.
“Prestons gave the EFF the courtesy of listening to them, and subsequently responded in writing. “They have not responded to us.” In the meantime, Pitsiladi said they had taken a number of measures to ensure the safety of staff and customers, and planned to make the interdict final.