NUM member attacked and set alight is still alive

NUM Press Statement, 25 February 2014

NUM member attacked and set alight is still alive

National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) would like to correct false and dangerous rumours that a mineworker who was attacked and set alight yesterday in Limpopo has died. NUM can confirm that he is alive. NUM Branch Chairperson at Union Mine Steve Modikwane confirmed that he is alive and he works for Grinaker at Union Mine in Limpopo. "He is our member and he was discharged from hospital this morning at around 10:30 am. I was with him this morning. It is not true that he is dead. He sustained serious burned wounds on his left hand and some wounds were caused by the panga when they attacked him yesterday," Modikwane said. NUM has many times called on the government, the police and the mine bosses to be on high alert to protect workers and our members in particular who are not on strike and want to work.

There is no safety for our members who are going to work in the platinum belt. Havoc is raining free in the platinum belt and violence is a case in point. Our members are intimidated and severely assaulted. it is totally unacceptable. NUM believes that workers can lead an effective disciplined industrial action. We again appeal to the police and mine security to be on high alert and protect workers and our members who are reporting to work. We expect all mining companies affected by the strike to take serious action to protect workers and to discipline the culprits. Cases of intimidation and assaults must be recorded. NUM remains the champion in the fight for better conditions of employment and wages for workers.

For more information, please contact:

Livhuwani Mammburu: 083 809 3257 (Acting NUM National Spokesperson)

Steve Modikwane: 082 511 0193 (NUM Branch Chairperson at Union Mine)

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NUM/100860023402167