Striking miners resort to violence
A car belonging to a NUM shop steward was set alight.
Kwatsaduza – Gold One Mine striking miners have vowed to fight to the bitter end until the mine releases a date for a ballot.
On Sunday night, miners affiliated with AMCU picketed outside the mine entrance at the East Modder Operation.
A car belonging to NUM shop steward Prince Radebe was set alight.
It is alleged the miners also visited the homes of NUM members and intimidated them.
On Monday, armed with knobkerries and golf sticks and wearing balaclavas and AMCU-branded T-shirts, the miners went head-to-head with Public Order Police.
They threw petrol bombs at the police, but they failed to ignite. Police had to use teargas and rubber bullets to disperse the miners.
Three weeks ago, the miners downed tools, refusing to resurface from underground in demand for the mine to set a date for the election of a new union representing their needs.
AMCU Central Johannesburg secretary Tladi Mokoena said the striking miners are not AMCU-affiliated members but aggrieved members who have shown interest in joining the union.
“We don’t support or condone any form of violence and public destruction,” he added.
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NUM spokesperson Livhuwani Mamburu said they fear for the safety of their members.
“Our members are even threatened in their homes. Some have gone into hiding to seek safety, ” he added.
The mine’s legal representative, Ziyaad Hassam, confirmed the mine had suspended striking miners involved in the hostage situation three weeks ago with three hearings on Monday morning.
“Operations were suspended on Thursday after the mine received intel that the miners are planning another underground sit-in.
“The only operations underway are on care and maintenance, with only essential workers reporting for work.
“The mine is losing millions a day due to the interrupted services,” he added.
AMCU has since taken NUM to the labour court to force the union to set a ballot date.
SAPS provincial spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that 11 people were arrested for public violence and malicious damage to property after the torching of one vehicle.
