News24 | West Rand mineworker arrested after allegedly stabbing colleague to death, taking selfie with body

A 43-year-old mineworker was arrested after allegedly stabbing and killing his colleague at the Leseding hostel on the West Rand.

• A mineworker has been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a colleague.
• A photo circulating on social media showed a man appearing to pose for a selfie next to the lifeless body of another man. 
• The suspect and victim worked for the same mining company.

A 43-year-old man is due to appear in court in connection with the fatal stabbing of a colleague this week.

The suspect, a mineworker at Sibanye-Stillwater, was accused of attacking his colleague at the Leseding hostel on the West Rand, where they both live, on Thursday. 

In a picture that has been circulating on social media, a man can be seen posing with a body. His phone is aimed at them as if he is taking a selfie.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the suspect and victim worked for the same mining company in Westonaria.

READ: 31 suspected illegal miners believed to be dead at Welkom mine

Sibanye-Stillwater spokesperson James Wellsted said they were deeply shocked by the tragic incident between two employees at its Kloof operation.

"Our immediate concern is for the families of the employees and the people who witnessed this tragic event," Wellsted added.

"We will provide any support needed and have offered psychological support to the families and impacted employees. We are committed to ensuring their well-being."

Police have opened a case of murder for further investigation. The suspect is expected to appear in the Westonaria Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) staged a protest march on Saturday morning as part of a rolling programme of mass action urging Sibanye-Stillwater and Harmony to prioritise the wellbeing and plight of workers. 

"The NUM remain resolute that one death is one too many. We continue to lose mineworkers annually due to mine accidents, and some of such fatalities happen because of lack of proper safety management and commitment to zero tolerance. Employers must stop sacrificing workers and making them scapegoats for the accidents through enquiries aimed at blaming the workers," NUM said.