Optimum mine ex-workers demand NPA probe into former NUM leaders’ wealth

MIDDELBURG – Former employees of Optimum Coal Mine are urging the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to investigate allegations of corruption against former leaders of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).
According to the former employees, they have written to advocate Shamila Bhatohi, head of the National Director of Public Prosecutions, urging her to initiate comprehensive investigations into whether the former leaders accumulated their wealth through corrupt practices at the mine.
They revealed that while they were retrenched, the leaders, whose identities are withheld by the paper, allegedly continued to benefit from the mine through illicit means.
The former leaders, along with their families, are reported to have secured substantial contracts and own properties in and around Middelburg.
“It is evident to us that this wealth is tainted and obtained through corrupt channels. We therefore request the NPA to thoroughly investigate these allegations by conducting detailed Lifestyle Audits on each of the individuals mentioned, to ascertain the legitimacy of the accusations,” said Collen Mdluli, representative of the former employees.
Mdluli further asserted that they possess compelling evidence indicating the presence of corruption in how the former leaders amassed their fortunes.
“We strongly believe that there is compelling evidence to suggest that these individuals acquired their assets through corrupt means,” Mdluli emphasized.
“It is for these and various other reasons that we, the former employees of Optimum Coal Mine, feel betrayed and abandoned to languish in poverty while others continue to enrich themselves through dubious and corrupt methods.”