Rustenburg – A member of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Unions (Amcu) was shot dead at Impala and another wounded at Lonmin in Marikana near Rustenburg on Tuesday, the union said.
“Today, [Tuesday] comrade, Mohahu Daniel Maseko was shot dead, riddled with five bullets and comrade Kwenene was attacked by two assassins, one with a shot gun and another with a pistol, he has been rushed to hospital,” union president Joseph Mathunjwa said.
“Our prayers are with him as he battles for his life. Our grief is with the family and loved ones of comrade Maseko. We send our heartfelt condolences.”
North West police confirmed the shooting in Marikana.
“Following an incident in which a man [age not yet confirmed] was allegedly shot and wounded at approximately 6am at Wonderkop hostel, police in Marikana are investigating a case of attempted murder,” Lieutenant Colonel Adele Myburgh said.
“Three unidentified men were seen fleeing from the scene. The victim is currently at hospital. No one has been arrested and investigation into the matter continues.”
Mathunjwa said acts of violence have to be condemned by all, not just the union leadership of which they belong.
“The workers movement must unite against this campaign of violence which will eventually see the death of the entire labour movement. We must fight for peace amongst workers, regardless of language, colour, political or union affiliation. As Amcu we will not rest until this campaign of violence is defeated,” he said.
“We again do not wish to speculate on the motive for the attempted murder of our comrade. The SAPS [SA Police Service] must investigate and bring the perpetrators to book. However, the world must know things are getting out of control. It seems to us that something more sinister is a foot.
“This looks very much like the third force violence the apartheid state unleashed on the democratic and workers movement during the negotiations for a political settlement.”
Mathunjwa questioned whether security forces were not involved in distabilasing his union.
“We know through the testimony and settlement by the State with Thebe Maswabi, of the security forces involvement in destabilising Amcu. Having failed to set up a rival union, having failed at reviving NUM [National Union of Mineworkers] and restoring their majority status – is targeting and killing our members their next move?” he asked.
He said Amcu would not fold hands.
“Those behind these acts are playing with fire. Be assured Amcu will not fold its arms in the face of this systematic onslaught against us.”
This was the second Amcu member to be killed in a week at Impala, on September 12, Mpeke Nonyana, 49, the branch treasurer at Number Six was gunned down. He was shot several times near the union offices.
Amcu toppled NUM as a dominant union in the North West platinumbelt following violent protest in 2012.
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