FEDUSA disappointed with the arrest of Swazi union leader

By Yamkela Xhaso
22 August

The Federation of Unions of South Africa has condemned the arrest of Mr Jan Sithole, Secretary General of the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions.

Mr Sithole was arrested due to his participation in the protest march to the 28th Summit of SADC Heads of State which took place on the 16th of August in Sandton.

According to a letter which was received from International Trade Union Confederation, Sithole was raided on the 21st of August by an army of police officers.

He was eventually arrested with no charges laid against him FEDUSA Secretary General Dennis George said,

“It is totally unacceptable that the police force would send 30 officers to arrest one person.

George added,

“We want to call on the South African Government and President Thabo Mbeki as the chairman of SADC to intervene because in any democratic country, a right to protest is a right.

We also want him to be released with immediate effect”