People who commit crimes during a planned farmworkers' protest next week will be dealt with, Western Cape police commissioner Arno Lamoer said on Thursday.
“We want to make an appeal to all workers, all unions, all farmers, that whatever they do, they do it within the boundaries of the law,” he said at a briefing in Cape Town.
“Those who transgress the law will be charged and will be prosecuted.”
A coalition of farmworkers and their unions announced on Thursday that they would continue protest action on Tuesday over a wage demand of R150 per day and improved living conditions.
Previous protests by farmworkers this month caused chaos and destruction in 16 towns, including De Doorns, Wolseley and Ceres.
Two people were killed and many buildings and vineyards set alight.
There were indications that the renewed strike could again see flare-ups of violence.
Lamoer said the provincial joint operational and intelligence structure was ready to deal with any eventuality. This involved the departments of justice, home affairs, and correctional services, and the National Prosecuting Authority. - Sapa