PRETORIA - Government on Friday announced a serious security clampdown in the mining sector.
It stopped short of announcing a state of emergency but said it will no longer tolerate any acts of violence or intimidation.
Government said it will take action against groups that gather illegally or carry dangerous weapons and against individuals who incite violence.
The mining sector has been rocked by violent illegal protests at Lonmin's Marikana mine, Gold Fields KDC and the Anglo Platinum operation in Rustenburg.
Justice Minister Jeff Radebe said government could no longer stand by and watch the violence unfold.
“The South African government has noted and is deeply concerned with the amount of violence, threats and intimidation that is currently taking place in our country.”
Radebe denied a state of emergency was being declared.
“These acts of violence and intimidation clearly undermine our government’s effort of ensuring economic and security stability.”
The security clampdown will focus on illegal gatherings, people who carry dangerous weapons and individuals who incite violence.
Expelled ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema was not mentioned by name by the minister.
This is after Malema had been visiting the various mines to address the striking workers, and calling for the workers to make the South African mines ungovernable.
(Edited by Zethu Zulu)