Seventy Two (72) Westonaria, Kloof Mine Workers arrested at Westonaria Police Station

A group of 5-600 miners from the Kloof mines in Westonaria last night, (Friday, 12 October 2012), staged a sit in after an illegal march to the Westonaria Police station. A total of 72 Miners, one in the possession of a firearm with 7 rounds of ammunition, were arrested after 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. Premises gates, Community Service Centre (CSC) counters and windows were broken at the police station. They were arrested on charges of Public Violence and Malicious Damage to Property and will appear in the Westonaria court on Monday. The miners arrived in buses at the police station and demanded the release of 13 miners arrested earlier the day. One of the miners was arrested with a firearm and 6 rounds of ammunition. The ownership of the firearm is under investigation.

The gathering and violence followed the earlier arrest of 13 workers on Friday on charges of Public Violence, Attempted Murder, Assault GBH, and Intimidation. All the arrested suspects are between the ages of 30 and 40 years old and are to appear in court on Monday. The suspects were arrested after the assault and attempted murder on Mr Malaka and Mr Qamba, both, NUM shop stewards. Mr Malaka has been taken up and is in a serious condition in the ICU in Millpark. Three suspects arrested earlier appeared in court and the case has been postponed to 2 November 2012. Two of the suspects are in custody and charges against a third were dropped.

A follow-up police operation was conducted early this morning, Saturday, 13 October 2012 at the Kopanong Hostels. 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.

All 77 suspects are expected to appear in Westonaria Magistrate Court on Monday, 15 October 2012, on various charges.

Enquiries:
Brig NB Malila
Cell: 082 411 4030