Police fire rubber bullets at striking workers

The main road leading from the N1 into the town was strewn with rubber bullet casings after running clashes between officers and the protesters.

The protest forms part of the first day of renewed strike action by farm labourers demanding higher wages.

Police spokesman Andre Traut said at least 50 people were arrested on public violence-related charges across the Western Cape.

Protesters stoned cars, prompting the police to close roads. The N1 was closed outside De Doorns, forcing motorists to use alternative routes.

Farmworkers said they would not return to the vineyards on Wednesday afternoon as the situation had become too volatile.

Workers are demanding R150 a day in pay and improved working and living conditions.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge