77 arrested in mine related crimes
2012-10-13 22:57
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2012-09-21 08:30
Mineworkers at Gold Fields' KDC west mine near Carletonville would continue their strike, a representative told thousands of workers on Thursday afternoon. Watch. WATCH
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Johannesburg
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Johannesburg - Seventy-seven people, including 72 miners from the Gold Fields KDC's Kloof mine, were arrested in Westonaria, Gauteng police said on Saturday.
Brigadier Neville Malila said the miners were arrested on Friday night after a group of 5 600 miners staged a sit-in after an illegal march.
"A total of 72 miners, one in the possession of a firearm with seven rounds of ammunition, were arrested," Malila said in a statement.
"Public order police were called in to defuse the situation and break up the illegal gathering. Negotiations with the group failed and rubber bullets and stunned grenades were used to defuse the situation."
They were arrested on charges of public violence and malicious damage to property, he added.
Release Demanded
"The miners arrived in buses at the police station and demanded the release of 13 miners arrested earlier the day."
He said the group broke gates, counters and windows at the police station.
On Friday afternoon 13 miners were arrested for public violence, assault, intimidation and attempted murder.
"The suspects were arrested after the assault and attempted murder on two National Union of Mineworkers' shop stewards," said Malila.
Malila said on Saturday morning, five people were arrested at the Kopanong Hostels in connection with the assault of two NUM shop stewards.
"Five suspects were arrested - three for the possession of unlicensed firearm, one for possession of a knife, one for possession of gold and one for possession of ammunition, dagga and counterfeit DVDs."
Court
Malila said three people already appeared in court for the assault on the shop stewards.
"The case has been postponed to 2 November. Two of the suspects are in custody and charges against a third were dropped."
All 90 are expected to appear in the Westonaria Magistrate's Court on Monday.
About 85% of the gold mine's 15 000 workers downed tools in September, over a range of issues which include a salary increase to R12 500, equal pay for equal jobs across all mines, and the removal of the NUM's branch leadership.
- SAPA
