TENSIONS AT LOCAL MINE LEAD TO VIOLENCE AND ARRESTS

Phokeng/ Rustenburg – An alleged disagreement between a mine employer and a self-elected, unrecognised committee led to a gathering on 27 June 2024 in Robega Village, Chaneng, near Phokeng. During this meeting, employees who wanted to report for work were allegedly threatened and compelled to abstain from going to work.

Numerous cases were opened after employees who went to work were shot at, and their property (mostly vehicles) were damaged.

Colonel Adéle Myburgh reported that these incidents led to the establishment of a task team, consisting of detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit and Phokeng Detectives. After information was gathered, warrants of arrest were obtained and operationalised on Friday 19 July 2024. Two suspects were traced by the task team, assisted by Vala Umgodi members at a mine in Phokeng, and arrested. A third suspect handed himself over to the police in Rustenburg.

The trio, aged between 38 and 55, appeared before the Tlhabane Magistrates’ Court on charges of public violence on Monday 22 July 2024. More arrests are imminent.

Anyone with information that can assist the police in their investigation can contact the investigating officer, sergeant Kabelo Kwele on 079 173 0679. Anonymous tip-offs can be reported on Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the mySAPS app on your smartphone.