Pretoria - Despite calls for peaceful conduct in the wake of the mining strike, police in the North West are reporting that they have received reports of violent incidents.
A group of about 50 people barricaded a road between Jabulani Hostel and Khuseleka Shaft with burning tyres, stones and rubble yesterday, North West SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Thulane Ngubane, said on Friday.
In another incident in the early hours of this morning, Ngubane said a Chinese furniture shop was burnt to the ground at Wonderkop in Marikana.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage and police are investigating a case of arson.
“As a result of illegal activities, police and traffic [officers] had to redirect traffic after passing motorists, travelling on the road between Chaneng and Shaft 12 in Luka, were pelted with stones,” Ngubane said.
The 100 000-strong strike by members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) enters its second day today.
No arrests have been made in these violent incidents. However, Ngubane said police were still following up on the incidents, and should it be confirmed that those who are involved are members of Amcu, the union will account for this action.
Government, police and the union had pleaded for strikers to respect the rule of law, including the rights of those who are not on strike, prior to the industrial action.
“We still urge Amcu leadership to take control of their members on the ground so that the police can continue to do their work in providing safety to lives and properties,” said Ngubane.
Amcu members at Amplats, Impala and Lonmin platinum mines embarked on a strike on Thursday. They are demanding a R12 500 entry-level monthly salary. – SAnews.gov.za
