By Obakeng Maje
Rustenburg- A 33-year-old suspect appeared in Bafokeng Magistrates’ Court in Tlhabane on Thursday on charges of public violence.

This is after several assaults and hostage incidents linked to the current wage increment strike by members of National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA) were reported on Friday at Glencore mine in Kroondal.

“It is alleged that non-striking miners were assaulted with knobkerries and sjambok by striking employees who also forced victims to join the strike. According to the information available at this stage, one of the victims is in critical condition at George Mkhari hospital in Ga-rankuwa due to severe head injuries sustained after being struck with a knobkerrie” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said.

In one of the incidents, a man and his wife were allegedly forced out their vehicle, assaulted and forced to join the strike whilst in pains. They were only released at the end of the picketing.

The Rustenburg Cluster Commander; Major General William Mpembe condemned the criminal acts effected by the striking employees. “The police cannot be expected not to intervene while the rights of non-striking workers are being violated. While we are doing our best to safeguard lives and properties, we will also bring all violations to the attention of Human Rights Commission to ensure that the interest of justice is served”, said Major General William Mpembe.”

Investigation into the matter continues and more arrests are imminent. The suspect was remanded in custody until Tuesday, 28 October 2014 for formal bail application.
-TDN
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