13 November 2012

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) strongly condemns the dastardly shooting of Xstrata workers by members of the South African Police Services (SAPS).

We send our best wishes to the injured workers for a speedy and full recovery.
Workers went on a strike demanding action to be taken against a racist White employee for assaulting a fellow Black worker.

Xstrata management instead of taking action for this racist assault of a Black worker, they have opted to co-opt the police to do their dirty work.

A striking worker was shot at close range by SAPS officers, in front of an ANC Ward Councillor who was in the vicinity to assist in resolving the dispute.

NUMSA calls for the immediate suspension of all the police officers responsible for this ridiculous shooting of striking workers.

Furthermore, we are worried by the growing trend by some trigger-happy officers to use excessive force, particularly live ammunition during the course of industrial disputes between greedy bosses and exploited workers.

We strongly believe that our members have adhered to the picketing or striking rules and there was no compelling ground or threatening situation for the police to use excessive force.

As NUMSA we call on Xstrata management to act against the White employee. Should Xstrata fail to act, they will feel the wrath of the striking workers.

We repeat: we are alarmed at the ease with which the police are resorting to using live bullets to shoot at the working class. This must stop.

The national leadership of NUMSA will approach COSATU to raise this matter and determine how to stop this deadly and dangerous behavior of the state and police.

Contact:

Steve Nhlapo, Sector Coordinator – 083 632 6986

Or

Castro Ngobese, National Spokesperson – 083 627 5197