President Jacob Zuma on Thursday said he had instructed law enforcement agencies to do everything possible to bring the situation at the Lonmin platinum mine under control.
Earlier today, Sapa reported that 18 people died in a shootout between police and striking Lonmin workers.
Zuma said he was alarmed and deeply saddened at the manner in which a dispute at the industrial level at the Lonmin mine in Rustenburg had degenerated in this manner leading to tragic loss of lives of so many people.
“We are shocked and dismayed at this senseless violence. We believe there is enough space in our democratic order for any dispute to be resolved through dialogue without any breaches of the law or violence. We call upon the labour movement and business to work with government to arrest the situation before it deteriorates any further. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of all who have lost their lives since the beginning of this violent action,’’ said President Zuma in a statement. - Staff report