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The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is outraged at the cold-blooded murder of one of its members at Lonmin ‘s Roland shaft this morning. 

The deceased comrade Kaizer Lungisa Madiba was on his way to work when he was shot and killed next to Rowland Shaft before 06:00 this morning by unknown assailants.

The NUM is extremely shocked but not surprised at the killing as it was preparing to hold a national rally in Marikana on 17 November 2019. This is a rally that is jointly organized by COSATU and NUM. The aim of organizing the rally in Marikana is to try and resuscitate the NUM in the platinum belt. Since the start of the rampant killings of our members there in 2012, we have never held a national rally in the area. Our members have long been calling for such a rally but due to logistics, we have been unable to hold it. COSATU affiliates from the surrounding areas will be in full attendance. The rally will also be addressed by Alliance partners. We are expecting between 15 000 and 20 000 members to attend from the NUMregions such as Free State, Carletonville, Matlosana, North East, Highveld, Kimberley, and PWV.

The National Union of Mineworkers calls on the police and all other law enforcement agencies to take drastic action to stop these killings in Marikana. The union and its members are gradually losing confidence in the ability of the police services to protect innocent civilians.

The NUM conveys its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, relatives and colleagues during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.

Issued by The National Union of Mineworkers