The strike, which began on October 3, was ended when a team of 200 – a collaborative effort between the police, mine security and emergency services – apprehended 40 workers on the mine’s premises after failing to adhere to a court order which required that they leave.

Speaking to the Mail & Guardian at the deserted Sishen mine in Kathu in the Northern Cape, the police’s Colonel Hendrik Swart said the plan to move in was developed over the space of three days despite the court order only being obtained at the weekend.

The strike originally saw 300 workers down tools in demand of an additional R15 000 in wages. The workers also held R3.3-billion worth of mining equipment hostage which was all recovered during the raid.

“We still have to confirm if anyone was hurt,” Swart said.

The arrestees face charges of contempt of court but in time additional charges such as theft and intimidation could be added.

“It all depends on the investigation,” Swart explained.

In protest

Around 50 protesters dressed in blue overalls demonstrated outside the Kathu police station on Tuesday.

The group is understood to be protesting 

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