BETHAL – A member of the Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) is facing possible kidnapping charges and will appear in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court soon.
It alleged that the suspect is a union shop steward.
He was arrested after a Sasol employee identified him as one of the people who had allegedly kidnapped him.
According to the police, the man was waiting for transport at a bus stop in September, when a bus full of Amcu members stopped and he got into the bus.
It is alleged that he was assaulted and thrown out of the moving bus.
Capt Magonseni Nkosi, spokesman of the Secunda Police cluster, said during this incident shots were fired and a passenger was injured.
“We are still investigating the shooting and as soon as we are done, we will make an arrest.”
The police are investigating other a cases of malicious damage to property, assault and arson believed to be linked to members of Amcu picketing.
Amcu members downed tools in August to engage in the No Work, No Pay picketing to demand better wages.
They are demanding a R12 500 salary adjustment across the board and a R3 500 adjustment added to the salaries of those who earn more than that, among other things.
Since the beginning of the picketing, over 10 cars had been torched in eMbalenhle and eMzinoni.
Police said another two cars were set alight on in Extension 22 on 1 October.
“A case of malicious damage to property was opened and nobody has yet been arrested.
“We have noted with great concern that all the torched cars are involving Sasol Mining employees,” said Capt Nkosi.
Mr Patrick Ndlovu, Amcu regional organiser, was not available for comment.
However he said to the newspaper in the previous week that the picketing will go on until the employer gives the R12 500 demanded by the workers.
Sasol said it has put contingency plans in place to ensure that safe, reliable and stable operations are maintained during this time.
These include Special Force security guards and choppers that patrol Sasol operations.
