Gold One Mine: Racially Motivated Attacks Unfold Underground, NUM Reports

Alarming reports from Gold One Mine in Springs indicate that more than 400 mineworkers, including white miners, have been subjected to severe beatings and racial humiliation, according to the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).

IOL reports that the mine, situated east of Johannesburg, has been gripped by tension as allegations surfaced that workers are being forcibly held against their will, with some stripped and routinely assaulted. Ziyaad Hassam, the mine’s head of legal, previously described the situation as a hostage scenario and a sit-in, citing solidarity with 50 workers retrenched for their involvement in an October sit-in.

In a Newzroom Afrika interview, Victor Ngwane, the regional organiser of the NUM, contradicted the management’s narrative, asserting that there is no voluntary sit-in but a hostage situation marked by severe flogging, mainly targeting white miners.

Ngwane revealed, “There are white miners underground who are being humiliated. They are undressed, and they are being whipped from time to time. The perpetrators say if they beat up these white guys, management and government will listen to them.”

Also read: Gold One Miners Initiate Another Sit-In Protest at Modder East Mine

Over the weekend, a severely beaten “white miner” emerged from the shaft, reportedly stripped and left by the station. The NUM claims that the perpetrators, demanding food sent underground within two hours, threatened to kill people.

During Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe’s visit to the mine, he witnessed the heavily assaulted “white miner.” Mantashe, in agreement with the NUM, deemed the situation a pure hostage drama, prompting police intervention.

Mantashe stated, “Once you begin to beat people up, it means they are held hostage. They are underground against their own will and therefore it should be dealt with as an offence that requires police intervention.” The police have now taken control of the situation, addressing the escalating tensions and ensuring the safety of the mineworkers.

Also read:

AMCU Distances Itself from Latest Sit-In Protest at Gold One Modder East Mine

Picture: X / KayaNews

Follow us on Google News.