UPDATE ON VIOLENCE AT LONMIN
13 August 2012
Two more deaths at Lonmin; police according this high priority
Lonmin regrets to advise that a further two Lonmin employees have lost their lives in the violent incidents sparked by suspected union rivalry taking place at the mine. This brings the total to four employees who have been killed as a result of the rivalry.
Following the deaths of two security guards on Sunday morning, one more employee was killed on Sunday evening in an ambush as he was going to report for duty. He had a deep laceration to the skull and a fractured jaw.
A fourth employee has been found fatally wounded with five gunshot wounds. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of these men.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is maintaining a heavy presence at the mine, where the situation remains tense and volatile. Senior SAPS officials, led by provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Zukiswa Mbombo, are attending to the issues and they are following a number of leads. Operations are running on a reduced basis as employee turnout has been low.
"We are grateful to the SAPS who are prioritising this issue," remarked Barnard Mokwena, Executive Vice President, Human Capital & External Affairs, "and we are expecting the situation to return to calm, given the level of security on site."
UPDATE 2 ON VIOLENCE AT LONMIN
August 13 2012
Situational update at Lonmin
Lonmin regrets to advise that two policemen and a fifth Lonmin employee have lost their lives in the continuing violent incidents in the area around its operations. The incident follows two days of violent clashes in the area which The South African Police service has blamed on inter-union rivalry.
The two officers were part of a SAPS team attacked near the Karee Mine offices. Another police officer is in a critical condition and has been taken to a hospital in Rustenburg. The fifth casualty was part of the group that was being dispersed. No further details regarding these latest incidents are available at the moment.
Lonmin wishes to express its great sadness at this senseless loss of life and extends its condolences to the families of the deceased.
Despite a heavy security presence, the situation remains tense and volatile. "Whilst our first thoughts must be with the families of those killed and injured in these criminal clashes, our operational priority is to see the violence stop," says Ian Farmer, Lonmin CEO. "We continue to speak to the unions to appeal for calm, and to totally support the police and government in their efforts to ensure appropriate resources are deployed to protect life, which must be paramount."
Violence at Lonmin Operations
August 14 2012
Lonmin announces with regret a serious and ongoing outbreak of violence at its West Marikana mine operations in South Africa. Seven Lonmin workers and two policemen have been killed in a dispute between rival unions.
Production has been severely disrupted since Friday 10 August as a result of an illegal strike by Rock Drill Operators and increased incidences of violence and intimidation since then. Lonmin will make further announcements as matters develop and as the impact on production and operations becomes clearer.
Statement issued by Lonmin Plc, August 13 and 14 2012
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