Mpumalanga mine lays arson charges against Amcu
Glencore and its subsidiary company Umsimbithi Mining on Thursday laid criminal charges relating to arson at the Belfast police station, following the torching of two trucks and offices at Wonderfontein Mine on Wednesday night.
This follows an increase in violent activities by striking employees at the mine in Mpumalanga over the last few weeks.
On Tuesday, the four-week long strike by members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) turned violent when they clashed with private security guards after demonstrating outside the mine's premises.
Several Amcu members were reportedly wounded during the skirmishes.
Amcu is demanding a 100 percent basic monthly salary increase from R4000 to R8000.
In a statement on Thursday, Glencore spokesperson Gugulethu Maqetuka said the violence had been characterised by the torching and stoning of vehicles, as well as the intimidation of contractors who on site.
"Last night's arson takes the petrol bomb incidents to around 10 since the strike started. Glencore and Umsimbithi Mining are currently engaged in a wage dispute with members of Amcu at the mine. The companies are continuing to hold discussions with the Amcu branch and regional leadership," Maqetuka said.
Amcu's spokesperson Manzini Zungu was not immediately available for comment.
Wonderfontein Coal mine is a joint venture between Glencore and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa's Shanduka Group.