ABOUT 400 mineworkers at a platinum and chrome mine near Brits have been holding four supervisors hostage underground since 7.30am yesterday .
ABOUT 400 mineworkers at a platinum and chrome mine near Brits have been holding four supervisors hostage underground since 7.30am yesterday .
The contract miners were demanding to be permanently employed by the Crocodile River mine and are threatening to stay underground until their demands are met.
The mineworkers initially took five supervisors hostage. Mine management and union leaders then attempted to negotiate with them.
The police's Inspector Brian Dlamini said "Two hostages were released, but then the situation became heated and the hostage takers grabbed another hostage and hurled stones at members of the mine management and union representatives."
Brits police and hostage negotiators were on the scene. - Sapa
Hostage drama at platinum mine
ABOUT 400 mineworkers at a platinum and chrome mine near Brits have been holding four supervisors hostage underground since 7.30am yesterday .
ABOUT 400 mineworkers at a platinum and chrome mine near Brits have been holding four supervisors hostage underground since 7.30am yesterday .
The contract miners were demanding to be permanently employed by the Crocodile River mine and are threatening to stay underground until their demands are met.
The mineworkers initially took five supervisors hostage. Mine management and union leaders then attempted to negotiate with them.
The police's Inspector Brian Dlamini said "Two hostages were released, but then the situation became heated and the hostage takers grabbed another hostage and hurled stones at members of the mine management and union representatives."
Brits police and hostage negotiators were on the scene. - Sapa