ANGRY Gold One mine workers gathered at the Springs Police Station in Ekurhuleni to rally behind their 12 arrested colleagues.
The workers, 11 men and a woman, were arrested on Monday, 13 November during an altercation with police and charged with public violence and damage to property.
The police had to disperse protesting Amcu members demanding recognition of their union from the mine on Monday, 13 November.
On Tuesday, 14 November, workers showed their support for the arrested workers, and some had the opportunity to speak to the bust workers during visiting hours in the holding cells.
One of the workers, Bhekithemba Vukubi, said they would support their colleagues through thick and thin.
"We're surprised that our colleagues haven't been charged and we don't know when they will appear in court," Bhekithemba said.
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Bhekithemba said they have been fighting for their rights at the mine for three weeks now.
"We're not going to give up. All we want is the union we want. We've been fighting for Amcu to take over the mine because we know there will be many changes, including salaries," he said.
Gold One Mine spokesman Jonathan Hericourt said in the statement that the company is calling on Amcu members planning or engaging in illegal activities to exercise restraint and adhere to their proposed timeframe for the fast-track process.
"Our position remains clear that the onus is on NUM to conduct the ballot and we are currently in discussions with them to ensure the swift and fair conduct of this process.
"We're actively seeking a legal resolution to the issue and confirm that Amcu has commenced urgent legal proceedings to compel NUM to hold a ballot on the closed shop agreement," he said.
