Hostages: Bosses turn to courts

2009-07-10 10:36

Johannesburg - Mining contractors on Friday were trying to get a court interdict to stop temporary employees from participating in an illegal strike and hostage taking at a mine in Brits in North West.

"The mining contractors are in the process of obtaining a court interdict which will require their employees to refrain from participating in illegal and unprotected strike action, release those who are being detained against their will, and vacate the underground working areas," said Ian Rozier, president of Eastern Platinum Limited (Eastplats).

Hundreds of temporary mineworkers were holding seven supervisors hostage at the underground Crocodile River mine demanding permanent employment.

Initially police reported there were only four hostages but later confirmed eight, one of whom managed to escape during the night.
Rozier rejected the number, saying there were only five people being held against their will.

"The contract workers involved in this illegal action have staged a sit-in in an underground area close to the entrance to the mine," he said in a statement. He said the action was illegal and against the workers' contractual agreements.

Eastplats said its primary concern was for the safety of all personnel underground.

Rozier said despite efforts by negotiators, the mining contractors and the National Union of Metalworkers, the workers had refused to leave the mine.

The company said it was taking steps to resolve the dispute.

Police negotiators were also "desperately" trying to resolve the hostage drama.

Superintendent Lesego Metsi said police hoped to resolve the situation by Friday afternoon, describing the atmosphere at the mine as "tense".

Mine authorities, the explosives unit and other specialised units were at the scene.

"And negotiators are trying their best to speak with the hostage takers," said Metsi.

The hostage takers were believed to be using mining equipment as weapons.

Metsi said details of what was happening underground were a bit sketchy, but he confirmed no one had been injured.

- SAPA