Bokoni wildcat strike interdicted

Wildcat strikers at Bokoni Platinum Mines in Limpopo have been served with an interdict, the mining company said on Wednesday.

"We obtained an interdict in the labour court on Tuesday and it was served to all employees last night and today [Wednesday]," Bokani's chief commercial officer Joel Kesler said.

The company had also issued notices to workers, who had been striking since Monday, that disciplinary hearings would begin on Friday.

Kesler said there were 3500 permanent employees and 900 contractors. Out of both these groups "roughly 400" were at work.

"Essential services are still running, but no other operations are."

The mining management had received reports of threats of intimidation, but no acts of violence or damage to property had occurred.

"Police and security presence has been stepped up."

Kesler said no formal demands had been received from the strikers, and union leadership had "distanced" itself from the protest.

"We continue to urge the strikers to return to work," said Kesler.