Pretoria – The North West provincial police have already began with the investigation into the killing of AMCU North West regional leader Mawethu Joseph Steven and two brothers said to be members of NUM - in separate incidents over the weekend.
The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, who condemned the killing, says with the help of the public they will ensure that those responsible are brought to book in due course.
"These tragic killings take place at a time when we are still observing and respecting proceedings of the Commission of Inquiry into the Marikana tragedy. We therefore call upon all in society to uphold the law because as government we shall not tolerate any massacre or intimidation of any law abiding citizen,” said Mthethwa .
The minister called on the locals to assist police in their investigation, by providing any possible leads that can result in the apprehension of the suspects.
“We urge members of society to come forward with any information that can fast track the investigation and not to harbor the perpetrators. It is only through this working together that we can ensure that we punish the murderers," added the minister.
Minister Mthethwa stated that police personnel have been reinforced in the area since the past weekend and will continue to monitor the situation.
He appealed to all union leaders to discourage their members from embarking in illegal protests and the carrying of dangerous weapons.
"We are monitoring the situation and urge the strikers to refrain from carrying any dangerous weapons, publicly, because that is against the law. Whilst we have emphasized the point that to protest is a legitimate and a constitutionally enshrined democratic right, brandishing of dangerous weapons during such gatherings is illegal.” – SAnews.gov.za
