A group of 25 workers appeared in court on Monday as a sequel to an illegal strike at business premises in Epping Industria.
There were supposed to be 29 in court, but four were absent without explanation.
They appeared in the Parow Regional Court before magistrate Constance Nziweni, who authorised warrants for the arrest of those who were absent. The men all face charges of public violence and contempt of court.
According to the charge sheet, the group went on strike in November 2014, causing their employer to obtain a high court order declaring the strike unlawful.
In terms of the court order, they had to stop the illegal strike and return to their jobs.
Prosecutor Barry van der Berg alleges that they ignored the court order – giving rise to the charge of contempt of court – and continued their unruly behaviour.
In the process, they allegedly damaged a gate – giving rise to the public violence charge – and were arrested.
Written representations to the senior prosecuting authorities, for the withdrawal of the charges against some of the men, were rejected.
The trial was to have commenced on Monday, but the investigation docket was not on hand and the case was postponed to June 5 for trial.