Community blamed for mine attack

03 September 2009 - 02:00
By Kea' Modimoeng

FINGERS are being pointed at a Rustenburg community after a local Murray & Roberts office and some managers' cars were burnt last week.

The incident occurred after 3900 Aquarius Platinum workers, who are Murray & Roberts sub-contractors, were fired for participating in an unprotected strike.

A manager from the mining company claimed some members of the community were behind the violent protests.

Zwelitsha Tantsi, National Union of Mineworkers chief negotiator at Murray & Roberts, said union members were not involved in the malicious incidents.

Meanwhile, Impala Platinum remains at the mercy of 20000 striking workers at its Rustenburg mine.

The workers, who downed tools last Monday, costing the mining company more than R9million a day, are not prepared to return to work until their 14percent wage increase demand is met.