By Obakeng Maje
Rustenburg- The police together with Cluster departments have established a Joint Operational Centre (JOC) in Rustenburg to make sure that the AMCU protected strike is conducted in a peaceful manner and within the ambit of the law.

Parties to the strike, i.e. AMCU and the mining companies that are affected are continuously engaged in the JOC in order to ensure that the strike is peaceful. 

The police want to urge everybody especially those who are part of the strike and AMCU leadership to make sure that all exercise restraint and that the provisions of the law are observed at all time. 

“The deployment of police officials is done with a view to prevent crime, protect lives and properties and maintain public order. It is only through the co-operation and respect for the law and the rights of others that there will be peace. Since this morning no serious incidents have been reported and we want to urge and request everybody to remain calm, disciplined and avoid any action that may lead to criminal prosecution” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said.

AMCU leadership must assist the police by talking to their members and by ensuring that acts of intimidation, assaults or damage to the property are not only avoided but that they are strongly sanctioned by the Union.

“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 arrested and prosecuted accordingly.   Whilst the provisions of the Dangerous Weapons Act were explained to all, we are aware of reports that some of the marchers publicly display weapons, in contravention of this law” he said.

The police will engage AMCU to ensure that those that are in violation of the law are identified, arrested and charged accordingly.-TDN
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