Pretoria - The fatal shooting of a Lonmin union leader on the eve of the anniversary of the Marikana tragedy undermines peace efforts and calls for united action, says North West Premier Thandi Modise.
This comes after a female shop steward was shot outside her house near the National Union of Mines (NUM) offices at the Western Platinum division on Monday morning.
“We are saddened by this cruel and senseless act. We have repeatedly called on AMCU and NUM to engage constructively instead of resorting to strong arm tactics and repugnant acts of crime to bully each other,” Modise said.
“One death in the on-going conflict is a death too many, as it reopens old wounds. Those who do not value life nor committed to coexistence are not only a threat to peace and stability but to the livelihoods of miners in the area.”
A series of assassinations have characterised the rivalry between NUM and its rival the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu).
The latest murder comes just a week after the killing of a 49-year-old Lonmin worker and a taxi owner.
Modise said it was appalling that there were still people who resort to vicious acts despite the Marikana Peace Accord and the Framework for Peace and Stability signed early this year.
“We wish to convey our condolences to the family and call on the community to provide police with information that will assist them in their investigation,” said the premier.
She reiterated her previous call for intensified law enforcement to ensure that peace and stability prevails. – SAnews.gov.za
