The Marikana Commission of Inquiry has heard on Wednesday morning that the Lonmin Platinum Mine is doing all in its powers to resolve the current standoff at the mine.

Lonmin lawyer Schalk Burger read to the commission, a media release quoting Lonmin’s Mark Monroe. The latter says in the letter that Lonmin has been meeting with unions affected and hopes a speedy resolution will be reached. It further says the mining company has conducted a search at the union offices for firearms, as it was alleged some people are carrying guns into the mine.

Burger quotes Monroe as saying: “Lonmin is fully committed to achieving a fair and peaceful resolution to the dispute, although this has yet to be achieved. In the meantime, the physical safety of everyone at Marikana remains our overriding priority and must take precedence of all other matters.”

“Embarking on an unlawful and unprotected work stoppages puts lives and livelihood at risk, while families also suffer due to loss of earnings. Lonmin’s recovery depends on everyone working together to meet our production targets safely and efficiently.”

Meanwhile, hundreds of Lonmin striking workers have started to assemble at the Wonderkop stadium next to the Koppie in Nkaneng informal settlement. This as the wildcat strike by these workers, mostly affiliated to union, Amcu enters its second day. The workers have been angered by the killing of Amcu regional organiser in the province, Mawethu Steven over the past weekend. Steven was killed at a tavern in Nkaneng informal settlement.
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