By Obakeng Maje
Rustenburg-The first day of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU)’s protected strike generally went well without any serious incidents.  Numerous allegations of intimidations and assault were received, some from the media, but at this stage neither formal complaint nor case has been registered to the police.  

“It has been established that certain individuals were seen carrying and displaying dangerous weapons in contravention of Dangerous Weapons Act, 2013 (ACT No. 15 OF 2013).  All those who were seen displaying dangerous weapons or violating the law will be identified and AMCU leaders will be engaged in the investigations” brigadier Thulani Ngubane said. 

Ngubane said it is the responsibility of the organisers to ensure that there is no contravention of the law and picketing rules in the on-going strike.

The police will act decisively against those who want to break the law including those who may want to take this opportunity to commit crime.  All acts of criminality must be reported to the police so that the perpetrators can be identified, arrested, charged and prosecuted accordingly.  

“The police are currently reviewing evidence and statements obtained relating to the incidents reported at Implats and Anglo Platinum. The police together with Cluster departments at Joint Operational Centre (JOC) including Mine Crime Combatting Forum (MCCF) stakeholders would like to appreciate everybody who respected the rule of law during the first day of the strike” he said. 

The Police are encouraging a peaceful strike and people should not infringe the rights of others. They should continue to respect authority and ensure that there is no victimization or intimidation.-TDN
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