President Zuma alarmed at loss of life at Lonmin mine

16 August 2012

President Jacob Zuma is alarmed and deeply saddened at the manner in which a dispute at the industrial level at the Lonmin mine in Rustenburg has 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.

I have instructed law enforcement agencies to do everything possible to bring the situation under control and to bring the perpetrators of violence to book. 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.

Statement issued by Mac Maharaj, The Presidency, August 16 2012

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