Workers at the metro, which is currently under the National Government’s administration, blockaded the entrances to the premises over the non-payment of their salaries. Mayor Mxolisi Siyonzana is said to be well and sound with no injuries sustained after the alleged attack.

Also read: Chaotic protests erupt at embattled Mangaung Metro 

The protest over the non-payment of salaries comes a week after the National Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, set terms of reference for the newly appointed Metro’s administration.

Also read: Dlamini-Zuma returns to troubled Mangaung

Workers, mostly from the Solid Waste Treatment Plant, on Tuesday morning dispersed piles of waste refuse in front of the metro's premises, including small rocks.

Also read: Uncertainty about Mangaung workers' salaries

According to workers, some of them received as little as R100 or R46 in their bank accounts in the morning. Meanwhile, the South African Municipal Workers Union’s (SAMWU) Mangaung Regional Chairperson, Jimmy Motse, tells OFM News that according to the information he has received, Siyonzana was not attacked.

“I received the information that he was attacked but when we engaged here, the report I received [said] there was no attack on the mayor. But remember now, here it’s a volatile situation. I think the exchange of words... they take it as an attack but the mayor also must grow a thick skin. He is leading people and he knows how he is supposed to handle them. But there was no physical attack. If there was, then the mayor is supposed to open an assault case. However, the report I received is that the mayor was not attacked,’’ Motse adds.

Residents seeking to pay for services, amongst others, have been blocked by the protesting workers who have vowed to shut down the place until they receive their salaries. It's understood that the leadership representing the irate workers are currently engaged in talks with the newly appointed municipal administration. There is also a heavy police presence outside the Metro, keeping a watchful eye on the events. 

Also read - #Exclusive: Hawks investigating Mangaung depot's alleged excessive payments

OFM News previously reported that the Free State Hawks are investigating a case of alleged fraud and corruption at the main depot of the Metro's Solid Waste Management Sub-Directorate. The investigation involves the alleged excessive payments of overtime to some employees at the metro’s main depot.

OFM News is waiting on a response to questions sent to the Mangaung Metro Municipality.

OFM News