Union calls for protection of miners

24 July 2014 - 21:18 By Sapa
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
BACK TO WORK: On July 4, Thembelani 1 shaft in Rustenburg was a hive of activity as miners packed the area to go underground
BACK TO WORK: On July 4, Thembelani 1 shaft in Rustenburg was a hive of activity as miners packed the area to go underground
Image: SIMPHIWE NKWALI

The National Council of Trade Unions (Nactu) on Thursday called for miners implicated in the Marikana killings during the platinum sector strike in 2012 to be protected by police.

"We are petrified that the testimony of Mr X and the people implicated in his parochial testimony might constitute a hit list, which has started with the late comrade Mehlonkomo," Nactu general secretary Narius Moloto said.

Bongani "Bhayi" Mehlonkomo was shot dead in Marikana on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old was walking home when occupants of a car shot him.

"We are ... aware that the deceased's name was mentioned several times by lunatic police witness Mr X at the Marikana commission," Moloto said.

The Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard that police witness "Mr X" had repeatedly mentioned Mehlonkomo at the inquiry, implicating him in the August 2012 murders of police officers and Lonmin security guards.

"Every worker has a right to work and the right to work must be exercised in a peaceful environment," Moloto said.

The union believed that police had failed to instil peace and stability in the North West.

"Every life take is one too many. Too much blood has been split in Marikana. We say enough is enough and no life must be taken in this fashion again," he said.

Moloto called for police to investigate the murder.

Mr X is under police protection and may not be identified. He has been testifying via video link from an undisclosed location.

The inquiry, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related unrest at Lonmin's platinum mining operations in Marikana in 2012.

Police shot dead 34 people, mostly striking mineworkers, and wounded 70, on August 16, 2012. In the preceding week, 10 people including the two policemen and two security guards, were killed.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now