Striking mine workers called upon to end strike

The strike, which unions promised would be peaceful, has already been marred by reports of intimidation and assaults. (Image: Babakathy, via Wikimedia Commons)

"We wish to express our disappointment that acts of violence emerged on the second day of the strike amid allegations of intimidation of non-striking workers. [We] wish to condemn in the strongest terms possible the alleged assault of a 37-year-old woman who was reportedly hit with iron rods by two men at the Impala Platinum number 11 shaft on Friday morning," Modise said on Saturday.

According to the police, three cases were recorded.

With regard to the woman's case, the suspects are alleged to be Amcu members who were trying to prevent her from reporting for duty. Police are looking for the suspects.

In another incident at Impala Platinum, a firearm was allegedly pointed at a 34-year-old man by a man who threatened to shoot him.

"The third case was reported by a 29-year-old man, who alleges that his BMW 320 windscreen was damaged by an unknown white male at 11th shaft of Impala Platinum," said spokesperson for the North West Police, Brigadier Thulane Ngubane.

A case of malicious damage to property has also been opened.

Brigadier Ngubane said a preliminary investigation into the torching of a Chinese-owned furniture shop in Wonderkop on Thursday night, showed that the fire was caused by an electrical fault. A case of malicious damage to property had also been opened.

Modise said that the provincial government is still holding AMCU to its earlier commitment to a peaceful march in line with the spirit of the framework for peace and stability in the mining industry.

"We will always encourage frank and honest discussions as we are convinced that such a dialogue is a demonstration of commitment by all stakeholders to a peaceful co-existence and mutual benefit based on openness, trust, and respect, and that has the interest of all stakeholders at heart," Modise added.

The union is demanding a R12,500 entry level salary per month.