The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has condemned the alleged threats made against its branch chairperson at the Impala Platinum mine in Rustenburg, North West.

This comes as the union embarked on industrial action in the area.

According to the union, three men have been arrested and appeared in the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court in Rustenburg.

It is alleged that the accused have been stalking the NUM branch chairperson for some time and were reportedly caught with two unlicensed firearms and a stolen vehicle during their arrest.

“This incident takes place against the backdrop of a protracted organisational rights dispute where NUM has been pursuing lawful recognition in terms of the Labour Relations Act. NUM maintains that workers have constitutional rights to freely choose a trade union without fear, intimidation, victimisation or violence. The union believes these threats constitute a serious attack not only on an individual leader but also on the democratic rights of workers,” says Spokesperson for NUM is Livhuwani Mammburu.

Meanwhile, Mammburu says as the union will continue to fight for their organisational rights at Impala Shaft Number 1 until their demands are met.

“NUM remains resolute in its pursuit of organisational rights at Impala MMM 1 Shaft and will not be deterred by acts of intimidation. We will continue to defend the constitutional right of workers to freedom of association. We call upon all stakeholders including employers and rival trade unions to promote peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and respect for workers’ democratic choices. Violence and intimidation have no place in democratic labour relations.”

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