NUM members’ houses petrol bombed in Sebokeng last night.

NUM Press Statement, 23 August 2017

NUM members’ houses petrol bombed in Sebokeng last night.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) strongly condemns the escalation of systematic attacks on its members by thugs who are exploiting the strike situation with acts of crime and barbarism. Seven houses belonging to NUM members were petrol bombed since the beginning of the strike at Vaal Sanitary company in Sedibeng by hooligans camouflaged as striking unionists. Vaal Sanitary is a manufacturing company under construction where the NUM organises.

Last night, three houses belonging to NUM branch leadership were petrol bombed and one is completely burnt out. The house that is completely burnt belongs to the NUM Women's Structure Deputy Secretary at the branch. The attempted murder comes at a time when women are celebrating the women's month. They are now targeting women and essentially betraying the victories of gender equity at the workplace. Other than fighting the bosses these hooligans are selecting soft targets.

"The threats or intimidation started when our members took a decision to go back to work after they realised a wage strike led by AMCU three months ago has not achieved anything. We are calling on law enforcement agencies to arrest these thugs that are intimidating our members," said Tebogo Litelu, NUM Branch Chairperson at Vaal Sanitary.

It is very sad that these hooligans are fighting fellow workers instead of fighting their class enemy which is the employer.

For more information, please contact:

Tebogo Litelu: NUM Branch Chairperson at Vaal Sanitary: 076 343 4120
Livhuwani Mammburu: NUM National Spokesperson: 083 809 3257

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

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