23 August 2023

As SACP and Cosatu, we are extremely disappointed by the decision of the Director of Public Prosecution Western Cape Division to refuse to prosecute Rheinmetal-Denel Munitions company plant in Somerset West following the explosion in 2018 that claimed lives of eight workers who were residing in Macassar.

This horrific incident was never properly investigated by the police and the company was allowed to investigate itself which investigation absolved the Rheinmetal-Denel Munitions. Subsequently, a formal inquiry was instituted by the Department of Labour which recommended that the company must be criminally prosecuted however the failure of the police to investigate resulted in the DPP refusing to prosecute.

The reality is that the company is liable for criminal prosecution for the loss of life ordinary workers. It is clear that the company places pursuit of profit above human life and justice.

Police ineptitude and complicity with the company bosses robbed the families and the community of Macassar of justice. The decision by the DPP is a cover-up which represents a miscarriage of justice.

It is important to note that the Rheinmetal-Denel Munitions (Pty) Somerset West plant is prone to devastating explosions because in 2018 there was an explosion and shortly

thereafter in 2021 there was another explosion. This confirms that the company places the lives of workers at risk in pursuit of profit. It further confirms that the company is not compliant with the provisions of Occupational Health and Safety Act. In addition, the lack of prosecution protects the company at the expense of poor workers and therefore the state is complicit.

As the SACP and Cosatu resolved to approach the Ministers of Justice, Labour and Police to seek justice for the deceased workers and their families. Further, the police ineptitude

and complicity in the cover-up will be reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

Issued by SACP and Cosatu Western Cape

For enquiries

SACP Provincial Secretary Benson Ngqentsu: 082 796 6400
Cosatu Provincial Secretary Malvern De Bruyn 060 977 9027

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