JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Platinum producer Lonmin has confirmed a shooting at its Wonderkop hostel on Monday morning, which left one worker dead and another employee in a critical condition.
Lonmin spokesperson Sue Vey said the incident took place at the National Union of Mineworkers’ (NUM's) offices and stated that both victims were members of the union. The South African Police Service is investigating the incident.
Vey noted that operations at Lonmin’s mines remained operational. Shares in the London-listed platinum miner fell nearly 5% on the news.
NUM spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka told Mining Weekly Online that it was not clear who the perpetrators behind the shooting were. He said the deceased, who had died on the scene, was the union’s branch chairperson and that he and the second victim had been shot as they were leaving a meeting at about 11:00.
“Lonmin is appalled and horrified at this senseless violence and we call on all stakeholders, in particular our unions, to exercise the necessary leadership and to be unequivocal in condemning murder and the use of violence,” the company said in a statement.
The London-based firm said it had increased the visibility of security throughout its operations and called for workers and the community to be calm, while reiterating its zero-tolerance policy towards carrying weapons on its property.
“We want to remind all our stakeholders that we have all made a commitment through the signing of the Framework for Peace and Stability to find a solution in a peaceful manner for the sake of all,” Lonmin said.
The company further called on workers and members of the community to report incidents of intimidation or violence on the hotline: 014 571 2580.
Last month, an Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) representative was shot dead in a tavern in Marikana.
The platinum belt around Rustenburg has been rocked by violence as the emerging AMCU and the long-standing NUM battle for members.