Johannesburg - Six suspects have been arrested in Northam following a spate of unrest that left two miners dead at the Zondereinde mine.
Earlier this month, violence flared up at Northam Platinum’s mine when the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) engaged in an apparent turf war.
On Tuesday, Mineral Resources minister Mosebenzi Zwane said in a statement that he welcomed the arrest of six suspects following the killing of the two mineworkers.
Mthetheleli Zefunele, 45, a National Union of Mineworkers member, was shot in the head in Northam on June 5 and the killer fled.
Read also: Northam workers still staying away
The following Monday, another worker, believed to be an Amcu member, was stabbed to death at the R510 road between Northam and Thabazimbi. Two cars were also torched.
Zwane returned to Northam Platinum earlier today to receive feedback from the mine management, law enforcement agencies and NUM.
“We also welcome the fact that we have been able to discuss and resolve issues amicably. The union will now consult with its members on these matters,” Zwane says.
Issues of safety and security in and around the mine will also be attended to by law enforcement agencies.
Read also: Northam violence: Zwane wants answers
Meanwhile, Bloomberg is reporting that Northam is still calling for miners to return to work.
NUM workers have said they would not return to work until after arrests were made.
The mine produces about 300 000 ounces of platinum a year, according to Northam's website, and accounts for about 70 percent of revenue for the mid-tier company.
IOL