Over 480 workers were held hostage underground at GoldOne’s Modder-East Mine in South Africa for two days by alleged members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union. The incident raised concerns and fears of a repeat of the Marikana incident in 2012 that left 34 people dead. GoldOne eventually obtained an interdict outlawing any further industrial action by Amcu, and mine security experts expressed concern over organized labor resorting to criminal tactics to gain recognition. The crisis highlighted the potential for criminal activity in the South African mining industry.
Background
A hostage crisis occurred at GoldOne’s Modder-East Mine in Springs, Ekurhuleni, where approximately 480 workers were held hostage underground by alleged members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) for two days.
Response
Initially, the South African Police Service (SAPS) only observed the events, but following their intervention, private security companies and law enforcement actively patrolled the property perimeter. GoldOne spokesperson John Hericourt acknowledged that law enforcement eventually realized the gravity of the situation.
Concerns
Observers fear echoes of the Marikana incident, referring to the 2012 miners’ strike that left 34 people dead. Democratic Alliance’s Ashor Sarupen expressed concern over the lack of law enforcement presence, suggesting that the absence was due to insufficient training.
Allegations
Around 50 armed individuals, allegedly Amcu members, held the workers hostage underground. Amcu denied the hostage allegations and referred to the incident as a “sit-in.”
Impact
The crisis at the mine’s personnel entrance caused chaos as people attempted to gain access amidst the crisis. Meanwhile, a paramedic who was stationed underground was also held captive. GoldOne later sent down medication for employees with chronic conditions. However, they could not ascertain whether the aid reached the intended recipients.
Legal Action
GoldOne obtained an interdict outlawing pending industrial action by Amcu, which is not recognized by the company. The National Union of Mineworkers is the only labor union with a recognition agreement at the mine.
Expert Opinion
Mine security expert Marius van der Merwe expressed concern over organized labor resorting to criminal tactics to gain workplace recognition and potentially oust the recognized trade union. He emphasized the massive organization required to hijack a mine and take so many hostages.
Personal Accounts
Simone Janse van Vuuren and Zanri Gertenbach anxiously sought news of their loved ones. According to Gertenbach, her partner confirmed that he was being held against his will before all communication was cut off. One GoldOne staff member, who requested anonymity, revealed that the workers were threatened with violence if they reported for duty.
The hostage crisis at the GoldOne mine underscores a volatile climate in the South African mining industry. The slow response from law enforcement aimed to avoid another Marikana incident but also raised concerns about insufficient training. The crisis highlighted the potential for organized labor to use criminal tactics to gain workplace recognition.
1. What happened at GoldOne’s Modder-East Mine in South Africa?
Over 480 workers were held hostage underground for two days by alleged members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu).
2. What was the response to the crisis?
Initially, the South African Police Service (SAPS) only observed the events, but following their intervention, private security companies and law enforcement actively patrolled the property perimeter.
3. What are the concerns related to the crisis?
Observers fear echoes of the Marikana incident, referring to the 2012 miners’ strike that left 34 people dead. There is also concern over the lack of law enforcement presence, suggesting that the absence was due to insufficient training.
4. What are the allegations related to the crisis?
Around 50 armed individuals, allegedly Amcu members, held the workers hostage underground. Amcu denied the hostage allegations and referred to the incident as a “sit-in.”
5. What is the impact of the crisis?
The crisis at the mine’s personnel entrance caused chaos as people attempted to gain access amidst the crisis. A paramedic who was stationed underground was also held captive. The incident highlighted the potential for criminal activity in the South African mining industry.
