Statement by Government on the situation in the mining sector

14 Sep 2012

Government has noted and is concerned with the amount of violence, threats and intimidation that is currently taking place in our country, particularly in the mining sector. The Ministers responsible for the security of the country have met and reflected on the situation that is prevailing in the country currently. These acts of violence and intimidation clearly undermine government efforts of ensuring economic and security stability.

Government recognises that if the current situation continues unabated it will make it even harder to overcome our challenges of slow economic growth, high unemployment, poverty and inequality.

Government will not tolerate these acts any further. Government has put measures in place to ensure that the current situation is brought under control. These measures include the following;

Illegal gatherings, carrying of dangers weapons, incitement, as well as threats of violence against anyone in the affected areas will be dealt with accordingly.

Law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to arrest those who are found to have contravened legislations governing these acts.

Commission of all these offences is in clear violation of the Regulations of Gatherings Act 205 of 1993 and the Dangerous Weapons Act 71 of 1968.

Government is making a clarion call to all South Africans to desist from these illegal acts and work with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that the situation is brought to normality.

Statement issued by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), September 14 2012

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