Premier Modise calls for end to mining strike

© Eunikas – za.fotolia.com

This comes after six non-striking miners were killed, while six others were wounded over the past weekend and earlier on Monday, 12 May.

Modise condemned the violence. "These incidents call for parties involved in the wage dispute to sober up and employ extraordinary measures to immediately end the strike which has entered into its fourth month before matters get out of hand. One life lost thus far is a life too many," she said.

The premier also called on non-striking workers who have been on the receiving end of the violence and acts of intimidation to exercise restraint, remain calm and to let the law take its course.

She also called on employers to tighten the security of non-striking workers who are reporting for duty.

The premier also appealed to the community to assist police in their investigations to ensure that those responsible are behind bars.

"No bail for perpetrators and stiff sentences for those behind the reign of terror unleashed on non-striking miners and communities in the platinum belt will be the only deterrent," Modise stressed.

The premier's call come after the strike, which has dragged for over three months, has even prompted President Jacob Zuma to call for an end to the industrial action as it also had damaging implications to the economy and to jobs.