Lerato Mbhiza
THE South African Police Service have taken control of the situation at GoldOne Modder East Mine in Springs, east of Johannesburg as three more people have been added to the 540 miners held hostage underground since Sunday.
Police spokesperson Brenda Muridili said the police are treating the matter as a hostage situation as two paramedics and a security officer have been taken hostage after they were sent down to assist an injured miner.
Muridili said the Provincial Commissioner Elias Mawela held discussions with the mine’s management and a Joint Operational Centre (JOC) was established
“The JOC comprises members from Public Order Policing, Tactical Response Unit, Visible Policing, Detectives, SAPS Hostage Negotiators, Crime Intelligence, EMPD as well as Mine Security personnel among other stakeholders,” said Muridili.
The workers have allegedly been prevented from coming back to the surface in what is believed to be a dispute between the National Union of Mineworkers (Num) and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu).
While Num has maintained that its members are being held hostage Amcu’s Krister Janse van Rensburg has denied that anyone was being held hostage.
However, the mining company has confirmed that more than 500 of their members are still being held hostage underground and has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all affected employees.
“We are actively working with all relevant stakeholders to resolve this matter.
“Over the past 48 hours, we have taken several measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all our employees.
“Regrettably, over 500 of our employees, including at least 15 injured, are still being held hostage underground.
“We are gravely concerned for their physical, mental and emotional safety,” said the head of legal Ziyaad Hassam.
Hassam said the company obtained a second judgement from the Labour Court declaring AMCU’s conduct illegal.
“Their continued actions are therefore unlawful and in contempt of two court orders. We have also held extensive engagements with the SAPS, who have set up an operations centre at the mine and have been locked in conciliation proceedings facilitated by senior commissioners appointed by the CCMA.
“Whilst we are committed to allow all legal processes to take its course, our primary commitment remains the safety of our employees.”
This story is a developing story
INSIDE POLITICS
