LESOTHO: Death of protesting textile workers condemned

Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN). November 12, 2003.

JOHANNESBURG, 11 Nov 2003 (IRIN) - A total of two people are now reported to have died following a clash between textile workers and police in Lesotho on Monday.

One man, injured when police opened fire on workers demanding better pay in the capital, Maseru, reportedly died of his wounds on Tuesday.

"At about four'o clock this morning [Tuesday] we received the news that another person had passed away. We can assure the relatives of the deceased that a full investigation into the matter will be undertaken," regional coordinator of the Factory Workers' Union (Fawu), Sam Mokhele, told IRIN.

Fawu members were intercepted by the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) as they marched to the offices of the Employers' Association of Lesotho to deliver a petition protesting a 5.5 percent wage increase offered by textile factories.

Mokhele said that one woman was trampled to death and more than 150 people injured when the police opened fire with rubber bullets and tear gas.

"There is absolutely no justification for the violent reaction of the police, considering that the union leadership had gone through the proper channels to ensure that we received the go-ahead from authorities to stage the protest. We are disturbed, and call on the minister of public safety to explain the actions of the police unit," Mokhele said.

But LMPS spokesman Mpota Nthako told IRIN: "The police only decided to shoot when it was felt that the crowd turned unruly. Police had called for them to disperse after some elements among the protestors started throwing stones at the officers. At first tear gas was used but then that didn't work. The only option left was to use the rubber pellets."

The union had stated that the 5.5 percent offered by employers was still below the living wage and went on strike calling for a 15 percent increase.

Lesotho's largely foreign-owned textile industry, geared to export to the United States, employs around 30,000 people in the tiny landlocked country. Textile exports are seen as the driver of the country's economic growth but unionists have long complained of low wages and exploitation.

"We are dismayed at how we, as garment workers, are treated. We have no death benefits, no housing allowances, and not even a medical aid scheme. We are aware that the garment industry brings ... a lot of money into the country. We are only asking for a share of that," Mokhele said.

There has been widespread condemnation of the shooting.

"We are absolutely shocked at the unprovoked shooting at a peaceful march in support of a wage claim. We believe that action must be taken against those who have violated a fundamental right of workers," said Patrick Craven, spokesman for the Congress of South African Trade Unions.

The Media Insitute of Southern Africa has called the incident tantamount to the throttling of the factory workers' right to express themselves.

In a related development, Fawu leader Macaefa Billy was arrested for organising an unlawful procession, and for causing property damage.

Nthako confirmed that he was still being held at the central police station on Tuesday, "pending our ongoing investigation".

All materials copyright © UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 2003

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