Two men were arrested by police on Wednesday, 29 July, after employees travelling to work at Camden were prevented from reaching their workplace during a blockade in Acacia.
Police at the scene confirmed that the suspects, aged 42 and 44, were identified as Nhlanhla Mthembu and Lukhele Sbusiso. The men are believed to be associated with an informal organisation known as “The Class”. Employees were reportedly instructed to leave their transport before being taken to the Thembisa complex, where they were effectively left stranded.
According to police, the employees were told they would remain at the complex until Camden management arrived to discuss contracts and employment opportunities that some community members believe are not being afforded to them. SAPS members responded promptly to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Mthembu and Sbusiso appeared in court on Thursday, 30 July, facing charges of public violence, extortion, malicious damage to property and intimidation.