The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) says it rejects allegations that eight shop stewards have been suspended at Lonmin mine in the North-West. The shop stewards allegedly falsified stop orders to make it seem members of the Association of the Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) had left their union and joined NUM.

NUM’s spokesperson, Lesiba Seshoka, says the allegation is not true and there will be measures taken to clear their union’s image. Seshoka says it’s a known fact that the company itself failed to eject them from their offices after their court appearance. He says they will confront those spreading the rumour and will also register their displeasure.

In confirming the suspensions, Lonmin spokesperson Sue Lindsell-Steward said on Monday that the suspensions follow an investigation.

Lindsell-Steward said at the time that three stewards were in the middle of disciplinary hearings while the remaining five face hearings this week.

NUM has until July 16 to retain its status as a majority union or vacate its offices as AMCU says it is now the majority union at Lonmin.
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