Government condemns panga attack on police officer in mine unrest

16 October 2012

Government condemns in the strongest terms an incident in which a police officer was seriously injured with a panga at Samancor Mine in North West today, Tuesday, 16 October 2012.

Police were attempting to disperse striking workers when the officer concerned was injured as he tried to stop his attackers from striking him in the face.

This is a cruel and shocking act, which has no place in our society or in labour disputes, and follows previous attacks on police under similar circumstances.

Members of the South African Police Service are, first and foremost, members of families and communities, with a public mandate to ensure that all South Africans are and feel safe.

Government will ensure that this mandate is fulfilled and that those responsible for the attack on the officer this morning are brought to justice.

It is unfortunate that this incident took place less than a week after a high-level engagement between President Jacob Zuma and business, labour and civil-society formations on how all sectors can work together to address issues in our economy and society.

Acts of intimidation and violence will not be tolerated as part of labour disputes because these are simply criminal actions, which will be met with the full might of the law.

We will not allow lawless elements to undermine the safety of police officers themselves.

Issued by: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)