COSATU condemns murder of mineworker
The Congress of South African Trade Unions deplores and condemns the murder of a member of the National Union of Mineworkers today, 3 June 2013, at Lonmin's Western Platinum mine, near Marikana (see report).
The worker was attacked with a gun at the NUM office and died later. COSATU sends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and fellow workers, and demands that those responsible be arrested and brought to justice without delay.
This latest tragedy follows the death of at least 60 people in the course of the disputes around the Lonmin and Impala disputes last year. COSATU is concerned at the lawlessness and anarchy in the area, which has created a prevailing sense of impunity. No one is being arrested and not a single person has been convicted for any of these murders.
The federation calls on all workers and community members to remain calm and do everything possible to prevent a new cycle of violence and death, and repeats what its 11th National Congress declared in September 2012:
"We condemn violence, warlordism and intimidation from any quarter and strongly support the principle of Freedom of Association, especially for the working class. Membership of any union or any party should never cost a life."
Statement issued by Patrick Craven, COSATU national spokesperson, June 3 2013
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