Pretoria - As more than 70 000 Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) members at three major platinum producers around Rustenburg go on strike today, the SAPS has deployed public order police to ensure peace and the security of both the striking mineworkers and the general public.
Wage talks between the mines and Amcu, which served Anglo American Platinum, Impala Platinum and Lonmin with notices to strike on Monday, collapsed, with the union demanding a R12 500 entry level salary per month.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it will ensure that the strike is peaceful and that strikers adhere to picketing rules.
The North West SAPS has urged all participants and striking miners to respect authority and the rule of law as they exercise their democratic right to strike.
SAPS reiterated that some of the picketing rules are that striking mine workers should not interfere with public order and not destroy property or intimidate those who will be going to work or going about their normal daily business.
“The cautionary measures that have been taken is that no dangerous weapons will be allowed during the gathering of the strikers,” North West Provincial Commissioner Zukiswa Mbombo said.
The Dangerous Weapons Act No. 15 of 2013, which came into effect on 2 January 2014, will be applicable. These weapons, among others, include homemade weapons, spears and pangas.
Mbombo said safety and security was a shared responsibility, and called upon all parties to play their part in managing the strike.
“The mine management has a duty to ensure that within the confines of their private property jurisdiction, they provide adequate security for those who will be on duty.”
Amcu organisers have the duty of making sure that their strike is peaceful and respects the rule of law and authority. Mbombo further said SAPS would monitor the strike and ensure compliance with the law.
Mbombo said the Mine Crime Combating Forum was already ensuring the proper coordination of all activities of the strike and bringing all relevant stakeholders on board. – SAnews.gov.za
