Mine bus strike spreads to R’fontein
Countrywide bus strike rears its head in Randfontein – Bus drivers demand a wage increase of 15 per cent.
Bus drivers from the Kloof 1 Mine in Glenharvie have resorted to violent protests for a wage increase.
The protest hit its peak during the early hours of this morning (Wednesday, 12 April). The protesters allegedly damaged buses with stones and assaulted two temporarily employed bus drivers from the mine.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Nonkululeko Mkwebula, the Westonaria detective commander, the two assaulted men were pulled out of their seats by the protesters when the situation hit its peak.
The disgruntled employees have been said to want a wage increase of 15 per cent. When the company offered them nine per cent, they declined the offer.
The situation has quietened down somewhat and is being monitored by the Westonaria Police, however, the protestors are still armed with knobkerries and whips.
While the Herald was on scene, a small group of men remained on one side of the Kloof 1 entrance, lounging on the grass while mine security and the police were on the opposite side.
Warrant Officer Raymond Sebonyane, Westonaria Police’s spokesperson, said they have been on scene since 7.30am this morning and the situation is under control. He said more information will be released to the public as soon as police reconcile all reports from the scene.
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