ANC condemns Lonmin Mine attacks

15 August 2012

The African National Congress (ANC) condemns the recent spate of violent protest at the Lonmin Platinum mine at Marikana in Rustenburg, between the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU, which led to the killing of ten (10) mine workers.

The ANC respect the workers constitutional right to protest, but we disapprove the killing of innocent people associated to any of the unions.

We convey our heartfelt condolences to the families of the 10 people killed during the protest. Their death is not only a loss to their families, but also a loss to the entire nation. We also wish the wounded workers a speedy recovery.

We are pleased that NUM, AMCU and Lonmin Platinum Mine management have agreed to meet to resolve the apparent debacle between them, and hope that an amicable solution will be arrived at quickly.

The ANC commends the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for their swift intervention and the deployment of about three thousand (3000) heavily armed police personnel in and around the mine precinct. The police presence has indeed suppressed tensions, and we are thrilled that calm has been restored. We call upon the police to make sure that the culprits responsible for the murders are arrested.

Issued by:
Jackson Mthembu
ANC National Spokesperson
African National Congress
54 Sauer Street
Johannesburg

2001
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