SOUTH African police fired rubber bullets to disperse protesters who blocked the mine entrance during a protest Monday morning, 14 April.
The workers are protesting against unfair labor practices.
Lazarus Mabaso, Provincial Chairperson MK Labour Desk said the workers were transferred from another company to Tharisa mine. Following this, Tharisa mine has not being following the law according to what was agreed upon
He said the workers are demanding payments from the mine amounting to R500 000 each workers. Mabaso says that they will not end the protest until their demands are met and the money is paid.
Bishop TB Ngcobo National Mk Labour Desk said that despite following all legal processes, workers police fired rubber bullets at them leaving six workers injured. He said this action angered the workers. This showed that the police were protecting the interests of the mine, at the expense of the basic human rights of workers.
“We are deeply disturbed by this abuse of power and the blatant disregard for workers’ rights and safety. Our protest is grounded in legitimate grievances regarding unfair labor practices.”
Police Spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said disruptive action was reported this morning at 04h00 at a mine in Marikana, close to Rustenburg, where the main entrance was blocked. Myburgh said no person could enter or leave the mine and police were called to the scene. Public Order Policing (POP) were mobilized, and after their intervention, the crowd disperesed.
She added that the situation is still being monitored by POP.
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