Over 500 NUM workers held hostage underground, 9 injured
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has confirmed that over 543 of its members are still being held hostage underground at Gold One Mine in Springs, allegedly by workers affiliated with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU).
NUM spokesperson Livhuwani Mammburu says the hostage situation began on Sunday evening when the workers reported for nightshift and were then prevented from coming back to the surface on Monday morning.
Mammburu says the workers were still being held hostage on Tuesday morning.
"Nine NUM members got injured after they were assaulted by the hooligans who were preventing them from coming to the surface. They are still preventing them from coming to the surface.
“NUM is also worried that there are a lot of women who are being held hostage underground. This is unacceptable.
“It was only the NUM that fought for women to work in the mining industry in South Africa. We didn't fight for the women to work in the mining industry in South Africa to be held hostage or kidnapped underground by hooligans," says Mammburu.
Police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi says officers are on standby to monitor any eventualities as the management of the mine is in talks with the union.
In a statement released on Monday afternoon, Gold One spokesperson Jonathan Hericourt said the company remains dedicated to resolving the situation in a manner that prioritises the well-being and safety of all the employees.
"We are actively engaging with relevant authorities, including the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the safety and protection of all parties involved," he said.
Hericourt said the company had been granted an interdict at the Labour Court, which prohibits AMCU and its members from engaging in any illegal strike or any conduct involving the detention or assault of employees.
"The situation remains fluid, and we will communicate regular updates regarding the progress of this matter to all stakeholders.”
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