RUSTENBURG - The North West Premier, Thandi Modise, has expressed concern following the shooting which took place near the RPM Hospital outside Rustenburg, on Wednesday, 16 April, which left two dead and another wounded. According to South African Police Services (SAPS) spokesperson for the North West, Brigadier Thulane Ngubane, the victims were allegedly shot by four suspects in a VW Jetta at around 11:00 on Wednesday. The victims are allegedly taxi drivers. Ngubane allegedly stated that the motive was unknown, as the shooting had not been linked to the ongoing strike by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu). 

RUSTENBURG - There is little doubt as to the fact that crime has risen in Rustenburg as a result of the ongoing strike, Mr Johan de Klerk - Chairperson of the Rustenburg Community Policing Forum told Waldie Volschenk of Rustenburg Herald on Tuesday this week. Earlier this week prominent media groups including national TV have focused on the Platinum strike which is said to have crippled the Rustenburg economy since 23 January this year. 

RUSTENBURG – The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) is allegedly claiming that international donors are contributing to a newly established trust fund set up by the union to help striking mineworkers. 

 To read the full story, read our 25 April 2014 issue.

“This week marks the thirteenth week of strike action in the platinum belt. The unprecedented work stoppage has caused irrecoverable losses to our employees, industry and community. It has also had a devastating impact on thousands of families around the country. To date, the producers have lost approximately 700,000 ounces platinum, equivalent to revenue of R15.4 billion, while employees have lost income of approximately R6.8 billion.

RUSTENBURG – Two men have allegedly been arrested and stolen copper cables to the value of more than R1.4 million has been recovered at Lonmin’s Karee 2 F-shaft in Marikana, the South African Police Services (SAPS) in Rustenburg announced recently. According to SAPS reports, on Wednesday, 9 April, mine security personnel were patrolling around the shaft when they noticed an unused hole with fresh footprints. During their patrols they spotted two suspects.

RUSTENBURG – Many are hoping that a revised wage offer announced by platinum producers on Thursday, 17 April, which proposes that the cash remuneration for entry-level underground employees could rise to R12 500 a month by 2017, will bring an end to the 12-week long strike which is allegedly crippling Rustenburg’s economy. 

RUSTENBURG – Reports on Tuesday, 22 April, were claiming that an alleged member of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) had been arrested in connection with strike-related violence. According to national media reports, North West South African Police Services (NW SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Thulani Ngubane had stated that the 27-year-old man had been on the run from police since last month. 

To read the full story, read our 25 April 2014 issue.