The ANC condemns the senseless killing of at least nine people, including two policemen, who were hacked to death. The violence allegedly stems from a dispute between two rival unions at Lonmin Western Platinum Operations in the North West province.
The ANC believes that violence is never a solution to the settlement of disputes. Instead, the ANC urges all stakeholders, the mine's management and the two unions, the National Union of Mineworkers and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, to commit to the peaceful resolution of this problem.
The ANC extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to those who were injured. The ANC also appeals for calm in the area and calls on the police to deploy appropriate resources to protect the lives of the employees and restore order to that area. [Applause.]