The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is highly disturbed by the latest hostage drama that involves 2000 mineworkers at Amplats Dishaba mine in Limpopo where some people are holding innocent workers for a sit-in protest. “We are disturbed by the action as it is unprotected. We appeal to the leaders of the strike to release the workers unharmed and follow the correct disputes procedures. It is unsafe and unhealthy to have a strike underground” says Erick Gcilitshana, NUM Health and safety Secretary.

He said some of the workers were on medication for various illnesses and already they have gone hours without food. “This is indeed very dangerous to them. Some of the NUM Shopstewards managed to escape and they are safe on surface as we speak now,” Gcilitshana said.

The NUM is currently in talks with the company management to see if they can make sure that workers are released safely.-TDN
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