Johannesburg - An Amcu shop steward at Impala Platinum was arrested in Victory Park, near Rustenburg, on Friday for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.
North West acting premier Paul Sebegoe said the man was expected to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrate's Court on Monday.
“We applaud police for the arrest and trust that their effort to unmask the bullies behind the spate of killings and violence will be intensified to restore peace and stability.”
North West police spokesman Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed the arrest of the 42-year-old man.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) members at Lonmin, Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) and Implats went on a protected strike on January 23, demanding a basic entry-level salary of R12,500 per month for miners.
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration has been brokering talks between the union and the platinum companies since January 24.
The union has been accused of flouting picketing rules and Amplats has launched a contempt of court application against it. - Sapa