Mineworker critical after Amplats clashes
2013-02-19 08:52
Johannesburg - A mineworker is in a critical condition following clashes at
Anglo American Platinum in Rustenburg in the North West, police said on
Tuesday.
"There is one very critical person at the moment," Brigadier
Thulani Ngubane said.
He denied reports that a mineworker was killed in the clash between security
guards and workers on Monday which left several people injured.
The critically injured person was taken to Milpark hospital in Johannesburg
with serious head injuries.
"The person was hit by a blunt object," he said.
Hacked, shot
Ngubane said that 13 people were injured at the Siphumelele shaft.
"Some of the people were hacked with pangas and sharp objects, while
others were shot with security rubber bullets," Ngubane said in a
statement.
"A group of about 1 000 strong... attacked four people who were at the
union offices. Mine security intervened and fired rubber bullets, and in the
process a total of 13 mineworkers, including four security guards, [were
injured]."
Workers' leader Gaddafhi Mdoda said workers from all shafts did not report
for work on Tuesday; instead they would meet at the Bleskop stadium.
"We want to do away with Anglo management. Details will be disclosed at
the meeting," he said.
In August last year, Amplats fired 12 000 strikers from its operation in
Rustenburg. The workers were later taken back.
The North West town was the scene last year of violent mining protests which
left dozens dead.
- SAPA
