More than 500 miners trapped in underground hostage drama at GoldOne Mine in Springs

Lerato Mbhiza

At least 543 miners are said to be trapped underground and have failed to return to the surface since Sunday, in what is alleged to be a hostage drama between rival unions.

It was reported that miners belonging to the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) are holding members belonging to a rival union – the National Union of Mineworkers (Num) – hostage.

In a statement GoldOne 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.

Hericourt said the company is 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.

GoldOne had been granted an interdict at the Labour Court, which prohibits Acu and its members from engaging