8 August 2014
The SACP is shocked and gravely disturbed by the shooting that claimed three lives of trade union leaders and caused serious injuries to the fourth who is fighting for his life in hospital. The leaders affected in this atrocious scene that reportedly took place in the Isithebe area, KZN Province belong to the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa). The SACP expresses its deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, the union, workers in general and the working class as a whole, and condemns this vicious, barbaric and inhuman act in the strongest terms possible.
"We call on workers and trade unionists never to turn against each other or use violence in any form whatsoever", said SACP General Secretary Comrade Blade Nzimande. "Such actions are the actions of criminals and not of class conscious workers. The SACP calls on the Police to investigate the shooting and killings in order to get to the bottom of matter and ensure successful prosecution with maximum sentences. We are extremely worried about a trend towards the use of intimidation, violence and killings by criminal elements to manufacture the consent of workers and trade union leaders. This must come to an end with immediate effect", said the General Secretary.
Issued by the SACP
Enquiries:
National Spokesperson,
Alex Mashilo
Mobile: 082 9200 308
Email: alex@sacp.org.za
Twitter: @2SACP