The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has learnt with shock and outrage that a trade union official was killed in Rustenburg on Thursday, 19 August 2021. According to media reports, there was a shooting incident that happened outside the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).  One person, an official from the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) was fatally shot when gunfire was opened by unknown assailants, while three others were wounded.  

“As AMCU, we pass our condolences to the victim’s family, friends and comrades. There is a lot of pain and trauma associated with these cowardly acts”, said AMCU General Secretary Jeff Mphahlele. “We call on the authorities to act swiftly and to leave no stone unturned to bring the perpetrators to justice.  All progressive forces must stand united in condemning these dastardly acts of violence”, Mphahlele said. 

AMCU subsequently noted erroneous reports in the media alleging that AMCU participated in the CCMA case that day, thereby creating the impression that AMCU was somehow involved in the violence that ensued.  This is false.  

According to the report from AMCU’s Rustenburg Region, no AMCU representative was present at the CCMA at the time of the shooting, due to AMCU not having been joined to the case as a party.  This means that AMCU representatives did not attend to the CCMA on Thursday.

“Once again, we call on activists to unite towards condemning violence of any shape and form”, said Mphahlele.  “Incidents like this one undermines the goal of the working class to ensure social justice for our members and to make a difference in their lives”, Mphahlele concluded.

For interviews:  General Secretary Jeff Mphahlele