NUM member attacked in Limpopo

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Published Mar 6, 2014

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Polokwane - A miner was attacked on the way to work in Limpopo on Thursday, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said.

“The NUM is once more distraught that another member of the union in Limpopo is in critical condition after being brutally savaged on his way to work,” NUM Union Mine chairman Steve Modikwane said.

John Ntsime Mochanka was with a colleague when he was assaulted. His colleague managed to escape unharmed.

“Mochanka suffered serious broken ribs, a broken hand and an open cut... on his other hand,” Modikwane said.

He was admitted to the Union Mine Hospital.

Police could not be immediately reached for a comment.

Anglo American Platinum spokeswoman Mpumi Sithole confirmed the assault.

“As a company we condemn the assault. People who want to go to work have every right to,” Sithole said.

She appealed to striking workers to respect the rights of non-striking employees.

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union has been on a strike since January 23, demanding a basic monthly salary of R12 500.

Two weeks ago NUM member Thapelo Morapedi died after he was set alight and attacked with pangas on his way to Union Mine.

William Nkoebele, a Winch Operator at Union Mine, was attacked on Monday while going to work.

“He suffered serious head injuries, broken ribs and broken arms when he was attacked while going to work,” Modikwane said.

“As NUM we appeal to the mine security and the law enforcement agencies to be visible next to the squatter camps where the majority of workers live.

“We are extremely troubled that there is no visibility of the mine security and the police in the squatter camps.”

Sapa

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