RUSTENBURG – North West police were on Thursday still searching for men who killed a mineworker and injured three others during a shooting outside Bambanani shaft of Aquarius Platinum Mine in Kroondal near Rustenburg.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said unknown armed men shot and killed a 44-year-old Lesotho national and injured three others at approximately 04:50 on Wednesday.
“According to information, the four men had just got out of a taxi and were walking towards the mine when they heard gun shots. The motive for the shooting is still unknown and no one has been arrested,” he said.
Police urged anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Lieutenant Colonel Partson Chomela on 082 7728 124 or Detective Sergeant Nelson Qetya on 082 7728 054.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) said it was outraged at the shooting of its four members at Aquarius.
“This tragedy took place in a climate of growing insecurity, created by waves of retrenchments in all mining sectors and within the broader economy, and where attacks on the right to freedom of association is intensifying,” union president Joseph Mathunjwa said in a statement on Wednesday.
“We send our condolences to the family of our fallen comrade. We pledge to stand with the family, friends and comrades of our member. We will take every step to make sure our injured comrades make a speedy recovery and resume their rightful place in the mine and in AMCU.”