eMBALENHLE – A Sasol Mining employee was shot dead while on his way to work on Wednesday, 26 October in Extension 26.
Police said the 67-year-old lost control of his car after he was shot and the car rolled and hit the fence of a house.
He sustained a bullet wound in the shoulder and was certified dead on the scene.
Police said the reason for the shooting is unknown and they are investigating.
In another incident, a car belonging to a Sasol Mining employee was set alight in Extension 15 in the early hours of Thursday, 27 October.
Police opened a case of arson.
They said no one has yet been arrested for both incidents.
Locals strongly believe the violence is linked to the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union’s (Amcu) strike because only Sasol Mining employees are targeted.
However, the police said there is no evidence linking the cases to the Amacu strike.
Capt Magonseni Nkosi, police spokesman, said they are concerned about the escalating public violence, malicious damage of property, assaults and now deaths.
“We currently do not have evidence that connects the recent incidents to the Amcu strike, however all the victims are working for Sasol.
“We are working around the clock to arrest the perpetrators of these crimes and are calling on the community to help us with any information.”
Capt Nkosi said the police will be doing several operations with Sasol Security in the area.
Sasol workers who are members of Amcu, downed tools in August after Amcu and Sasol were unable to reach an agreement over a wage dispute.
Amcu rejected Sasol’s offer of a seven per cent increase and said it was not enough and was unfair to the workers.
Sasol sent massages to protesting Amcu members and urged them to return to work.
They said Sasol has invoked the legal rights of the protest as prescribed by the Labour Relations Act, to bring an end to the strike from 12 October.
However Amcu members vowed not to return to work until Sasol has met their demands.
