Reuters reports that growing unrest at Sibanye-Stillwater's gold operations has left nine people dead since workers downed tools in November, prompting mineral resources minister Gwede Mantashe to call on the police to step in and protect the local community.
The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) said the minister had requested the assistance of the police minister to "restore and safeguard the safety and security of the community" in Carletonville, west of Johannesburg.” The DMR went on to state: "[The strike] has become violent, impacting negatively on communities in the area, with nine deaths reported thus far and an estimated 62 houses burnt down." Police minister Bheki Cele is expected to visit the area in the next few days. The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) plans to extend its wage strike at Sibanye's gold operations to its platinum mines, as well as to all other mines where the Amcu has members. Companies including AngloGold Ashanti, Harmony Gold and Anglo American Platinum which received a secondary strike notice, are awaiting a labour court ruling that will decide if mine workers can embark on an industry-wide strike.
- Read the full original of Tanisha Heiberg’s report on this story at BusinessLive
- See too, Mantashe calls for extra security in Carletonville amid protests, at EWN
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