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22 May 2012

On Monday, 21 May 2012, at about 15h00, two suspects were arrested by police for the attempted murder of Mr Laurence Somolekae who was shot, last week on Thursday, 17 May 2012. Mr Somolekae is still admitted in hospital and he is a representative of National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). Both suspects are males, aged 25 and 40-years-old and they appeared in the Tlhabane Magistrate’s court today.

Khayaletho Mzimeli (25) and Sibongile Sidadla (40) will remain in custody until their next court appearance on Friday, 25 May 2012, for a formal bail application.

A Norinco 9mm pistol, belonging to one of the suspect’s was also confiscated for ballistic testing. Both suspects are allegedly members of Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU).

After the arrests were made on Monday, 21 May 2012, members of AMCU started barricading the streets. This situation went on throughout the night. No property was damaged and no arrests were made by Police.

This morning, mine workers were intimidated not to go to work. A group of about 15 000 mine workers gathered and they marched to the Tlhabane Court, but were stopped by Police as the march was illegal. The many small groups are currently gathered in two groups at Jabula Mine and at Lefaragatla Village.

The Police are currently monitoring the situation. No property has been damaged and no arrests were made.

The Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Lt Gen Zukiswa Mbombo warned protestors not to take the law into their own hands as those breaking the Law, will face the full consequences of the Law.

“SAPS together squeezing crime to zero”

Media contact person:
Brig Thulani Ngubane
Cell: 082 372 4511

Issued by: South African Police Service
22 May 2012

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