Two private security vehicles were torched during a confrontation between workers and members of the security forces on Thursday. Workers of Tau Lekoa mine, which is situated near the R502 road between Orkney and Leeudorinstad, have been protesting against the alleged non-payment of their salaries, planned massive retrenchments and the eviction from the hostels by VMR.

The mine previously declared its intention to retrench over 6 000 workers of Tau Lekoa and Kopanong mines, amongst others, due to an alleged loss of millions of rands in production.

Since the start of this week, tensions between members of the security company and miners have been simmering over the protest at the site. This comes during national lockdown which prohibits the gathering of more than 50 people.

VMR and the majority National of Union of Mine Workers (NUM) are yet to comment on OFM News' enquiries.

Workers allege that the members of the security company shot at workers every time they tried to address the mine management, which led to the retaliation by workers. There have not been any reports of arrests or injuries during the protest in Orkney. The company previously sent a letter to workers informing them that all of those residing in the hostel will have to evacuate the premises, and that no food will be given to employees as the mine suffers from financial constraints.

In this letter, the company further said that the only employees allowed to obtain food from the hostel will be the foreign nationals, due to them not being able to return to their respective countries.

OFM News