NORTHAM, June 7 (ANA) – Northam Platinum’s Zondereinde mine on Tuesday called on employees to return to work after calm was restored following violent clashes between rival unions in recent days.
Underground mining activities were suspended after the death of a Zondereinde employee in Northam on Sunday. Another employee was killed near the mine on Monday morning and two cars torched amid reports of violence between the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).
“We urge all parties to exercise leadership following these tragic incidents, in the interests of safety for all,” said CEO Paul Dunne.
“Mine management will assist the authorities in their investigations into the deaths where required, and is seeking to administer to the needs of the families of the deceased.”
Limpopo police said no incidents of violence were reported overnight following a clash on Monday between Amcu and NUM members.
“No further incidents of violence since yesterday [Monday] after they were dispersed. Currently still quiet and calm. We are, however, still patrolling and maintaining our presence,” said police spokesperson Colonel Ronel Otto.
The police had been forced to fire rubber bullets to defuse a clash between members of Amcu and the NUM.
The clash was believed to have been triggered by the killing of NUM member in Northam on Sunday. The 45-year-old man was shot three times and died at the scene.
The NUM is the majority union at Zondereinde mine, the only platinum mine under its control, while Amcu has a majority at the Anglo American Platinum mine opposite the road.
Amcu toppled NUM as the dominant union in the platinum belt in 2012, following violent wildcat strikes at Lonmin in Marikana, Impala Platinum and Anglo American Platinum in Rustenburg, North West and Northam in Limpopo.
– African News Agency (ANA)
