Rustenburg - Two men have been arrested for the attempted murder of a miner at Anglo American Platinum's Khuseleka 1 shaft near Rustenburg, North West police said on Tuesday.
“The police in Rustenburg have arrested two male suspects aged 29 for attempted murder linked to the ongoing Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union's protected strike,” spokesman Brigadier Thulane Ngubane said in a statement.
Mineworkers affiliated to Amcu have been on strike for over a month in the North West platinum belt demanding a minimum wage of R12 500.
Ngubane said a 51-year-old man was on his way to work on February 3 when he was offered a lift in an unknown car with two occupants.
“Upon arrival at the mine, the car parked near a group of picketing and striking mine employees. The victim was allegedly taken into the group,” he said.
The man was allegedly intimidated and forced to walk to the nearby stalls where he was undressed.
“It is alleged that he was later taken to a dumping site where he was assaulted severely with stones. According to the information, he managed to escape and ran naked towards the shaft where he was rescued by mine security,” said Ngubane.
Police were notified of the attack and a case opened. The two were arrested on Tuesday when they handed themselves to police. They were expected to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.
“The striking mine workers are still urged to respect the rule of law and avoid being involved in any criminal acts,” Ngubane said.
Sapa