Police will arrest strike leaders - Mthethwa

Cape Town - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa says the police will arrest leaders of the campaign of intimidation at mines in the Marikana area "within hours".

He vowed on Wednesday to crack down on violence in the platinum belt and arrest strikers he said were behind a campaign of intimidation against miners trying to return to work.

"In South Africa, the rule of law reigns," Mthethwa told a news conference, underscoring growing government concerns about the 16-week strike.

"Anarchy is not what is going to be accepted."

Members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) at Lonmin, Implats and Amplats in Rustenburg and at Northam in Limpopo downed tools on 23 January, demanding a basic monthly salary of R12 500.

The president of Amcu, Joseph Mathunjwa, earlier urged members to remain united and strong in the face of efforts by the three major platinum companies to force miners to end a 16-week stoppage.

"Let's stay strong.

"Yes it's difficult, but let's hold each other by the hand and stay strong. Onward!" Mathunjwa told thousands of strikers at a rally near the Marikana operations of Lonmin.

He said the spirit of the miners would not be broken by companies taking the offer directly to them.

Mathunjwa said the strike would continue because members still did not accept the latest wage offer.