NUM officials and Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi were pelted with stones by some protesters at AngloGold Ashanti’s mine near Orkney.

President Jacob Zuma’s family and other intimates are suspected of ­having close links with the new owners of the embattled Orkney mine.

Government is awaiting advice on whether criminal charges can be laid against Pamodzi Gold, Aurora Empowerment Systems, or both companies.

In a bid to force Aurora Empowerment Systems to pay salaries or close its doors, Solidarity has served a liquidation application on Aurora.