Cops in running battles as workers' wives besiege mine

POLICE in Bubi district yesterday fought running battles with Turk Mine workers' wives, who reportedly besieged the mine demanding their husbands' outstanding salaries.

The miners' wives have been picketing the company premises since Monday demanding an improvement in their husbands' working conditions, forcing police to fire tear smoke after the protestors reportedly turned rowdy.

"The police randomly fired teargas at the demonstrators, which affected everyone in the area, including children.

This angered the demonstrators, who ended up retaliating and assaulting a police officer in the melee," a worker who declined to be named said.

The mine's chief executive officer, Jackson Murehwa, confirmed the skirmishes, but declined to give further details, demanding for questions to be sent to him in writing.

Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Sipiwe Makonese could not be reached for comment.