/ 7 February 2014

Amcu miner shot dead in Limpopo

Striking Amplats miners.
Striking Amplats miners.

An Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) worker was shot dead, allegedly by police, during protests at the mine's plant near Northam in Limpopo on Friday, according to South African Broadcasting Corporation​ (SABC) reports.

The man was an Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) shop steward.

Police told the SABC they were trying to defend themselves as they were under attack. They said they were unsure whether they or security guards fired the fatal shot.

Amcu workers said they were singing and going to a gathering where they were expecting feedback from their leaders when police fired rubber bullets, stun grenades and live ammunition at them.

Several striking mineworkers had been arrested following violence and intimidation during the strike that began several weeks ago.

The platinum sector has been crippled by the protected strike headed by Amcu. Its members from Amplats, Impala Platinum and Lonmin downed tools on January 23.

The union is demanding a R12 500 monthly basic salary for miners.

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration has been facilitating talks between the platinum producers and the union. – Sapa