9 killed in violence at platinum mine
2012-08-13 18:36
Johannesburg - Officials say at least nine people have been killed in ongoing violence at a North West platinum mine.
Platinum producer Lonim, said violence started on Friday when workers walked off the job at its Marikana mine over pay, and since then at least four of the mine's workers have been killed in ongoing attacks between rival unions, including two security guards who died on Sunday when their car was set ablaze by angry miners.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Lindela Mashigo said two officers and three others were killed in more violent protests on Monday.
One of the officers was hacked to death, according to police.
Meanwhile, Cosatu's North West branch has called on rival labour union the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) to put an end to the violence at the mine, Sapa reports.
Provincial secretary Solly Phetoe said Amcu should give miners freedom to choose a union.
"Cosatu wants to remind Amcu that the Constitution of our country allows workers a freedom of association," Phetoe said.
"That right has been extended in the Labour Relations Act which give workers the rights and powers to form their unions, and not to be forced to join some fly-by night unions."
Violence at the mine had been linked to clashes between members of the Cosatu-affiliated National Union of Mineworkers and Amcu, which were reportedly fighting for control of local mines.
In February, the two unions clashed over membership at Impala Platinum's mines in Rustenburg.
- AP
