In a gripping turn of events at the Gold One mine in Springs, South Africa, the police have opened a kidnapping case after approximately 500 miners were held hostage underground. The dispute arose between the mine and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), with the latter claiming to be the majority union, representing a staggering 90% of the 1,850 miners. AMCU is seeking a closed shop agreement that would grant them exclusive rights as the sole union in the mine, which has caused conflict with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and mine management.
For days, Julia and her daughter Eunice anxiously awaited news of their son-in-law’s safety. Finally, a glimmer of hope arrived when he phoned them on a borrowed cellphone, allowing them to breathe a sigh of relief. Their prayers were answered as he confirmed his wellbeing, having made it to the surface after three nights underground.
As the hostage situation unfolded, Julia, Eunice, and four-month-old Karabo found themselves parked near the mine entrance, seeking solace under the shade of a majestic eucalyptus tree. Other relatives of the trapped miners soon joined them, all huddled together in anticipation.
One distraught wife, Mrs Mofokeng, woke up at 5am on Monday to discover that her husband had not returned from work. Worried, she immediately contacted Eunice, only to find out that her husband was also missing. With baby Karabo and Julia in tow, Mrs Mofokeng rushed to the mine entrance, desperate for answers. However, it was not until the previous day that the company sent an SMS informing them of the situation. The message provided minimal information, ending with the ominous phrase “until further notice.”
The hostages slowly began to trickle back to the surface on Wednesday morning. The first group comprised five miners who had managed to escape their captors. Unlocking one of the mine stopes, which had been barricaded with rocks, they bravely slipped through and gained their freedom. According to National Mine Workers Union deputy general secretary, Mpho Phakedi, an additional 136 people seized the opportunity to flee before being stopped.
Among those who successfully escaped was Thabiso Stimela, a paramedic, much to the relief of his father, Alfred, who had anxiously waited at the mine entrance for news of his son. “I am just so happy that he is fine and at home now,” shared a beaming Alfred.
In the early afternoon, the police initiated their rescue operation with the assistance of the specialized Proto team trained for underground rescues. Mpho Phakedi revealed that mine management had informed the union about initial resistance faced by the police. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
Miners held captive underground began reemerging shortly after 1pm. On the other side of the fence, loved ones and colleagues eagerly watched, their voices echoing with shouts of joy and greetings. The recently freed miners underwent medical check-ups upon reaching the surface. Police confirmed that four men, including a security officer, were taken to the hospital for treatment. In total, 562 miners, including the security guards and paramedics, were safely brought to the surface.
Preliminary statements from the hostages revealed that approximately 15 individuals played the role of hostage-takers underground. The police found sticks and screwdrivers in the mine lift, which were subsequently seized as evidence. As a result, a case of kidnapping and assault will be registered for further investigation, according to the statement released by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Outside the mine entrance, the NUM leadership held a press briefing, hailing the operation as a success. Mpho Phakedi expressed his satisfaction, stating, “We are very happy that finally, these people are out.” He added that the union had yet to decide what legal action to pursue but emphasized that the first priority was ensuring the recovery of those who suffered during the ordeal.
It is noteworthy that among the hostages were mine management personnel, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The mine management expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the successful rescue operation.
AMCU, on the other hand, claimed victory later that Wednesday afternoon. General secretary Jeff Mphahlele stated, “I think it is a question of time, but we will be able to get some traction in this whole situation.” During the afternoon, the union held a vote, claiming a majority supporting AMCU. This outcome could potentially pave the way for AMCU to become the sole union through a closed shop agreement. However, NUM contends that they still possess the majority amongst the miners at Gold One Mine.
Following medical check-ups, the miners were transported to their homes in minibuses. As each vehicle departed from the mine, families gathered, their eyes filled with hope, yearning for a glimpse of their loved ones. Finally, one minibus came to a halt, and two men climbed out. Julia rushed over and embraced them tightly.
“This was a life-changing experience. We are not meant to stay underground for so long,” Mrs Mofokeng’s husband remarked, reflecting on the ordeal. Grateful for his safe return, he recounted that his last meal consisted of the provisions his wife had packed for him on Sunday.
Other miners were more vocal, recounting how they had been forcibly prevented from leaving and lamenting the lack of food. A female miner disclosed that she had subsisted on just two slices of bread during her time underground.
Mrs Mofokeng, who had spent two sleepless nights, eagerly anticipated the evening ahead. “You know, I am just going to lie there for a long time and stare at him sleeping,” she shared, speaking of her plans to savor every moment with her husband.
For the relatives of the men held hostage, fear of reprisals from either the mine management or the unions prevented them from divulging their full names. They understand all too well the potential consequences their loved ones might face.
As the dust settles after this harrowing incident, it is crucial that measures are taken to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all workers in the mining industry.
