NUM outraged over former shop steward's murder

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is again outraged at the cold blooded murder of one of its former shop steward at Lonmin, Percy Letanang, who was shot seven times on Sunday by unknown gunmen. Comrade Letanang (45) who was an employee at Lonmin's Eastern Platinum was rushed to hospital and unfortunately he passed away last night (05 November 2013).

Comrade Letanang recently decided to take a Voluntary Severance Package (VSP) after Lonmin decided to derecognise the NUM.

"After Lonmin decided to de-recognise us, most comrades took their VSP's fearing for their safety at the mine, and comrade Letanang was one of them. We are really shocked by the continued brutal killings of our comrades and wish to send our condolences to comrade Letanang's family," says Mxhasi Sithethi , NUM Rustenburg Regional Coordinator.

The NUM is disappointed about the increasing assassinations of its shopstewards in Marikana and the broader Rustenburg area. In less than three months, four of our members have been killed so far.

As the NUM, we are asking ourselves: "How long is blood going to have to flow in Marikana?"

It is impossible not to feel heavy-hearted when our shopstewards are brutally killed like these in Rustenburg. 

Statement issued by Sithethi Mxasi, NUM Rustenburg Regional Coordinator, November 6 2013

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