JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – The Chamber of Mines of South Africa on Tuesday condemned “in the strongest terms” the “brutal” murder of two mineworkers in the Rustenburg area.

This denunciation follows the condemnation of acts of violence against employees intent on returning to work by South Africa’s three major platinum mining companies, which pleaded with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) to issue a public statement demanding respect for the rights of those wanting to return to work.

At least 20 acts of assault have been reported in last three days, when a number of “serious” incidents of intimidation against employees and bus operators have been reported.

The chamber reiterated that the security and safety of all workers was imperative and extended the industry’s sincere condolences to the families of the murdered miners.

The right to work was as important as the right to strike, and the chamber implored all workers to uphold this right.

It urged the law enforcement agencies to move quickly in bringing the perpetrators to book, along with those bent on criminal action.

Anglo American Platinum, Impala Platinum and Lonmin have been engaging workers directly and encouraged them to end the 16-week strike.

CEOs Chris Griffith, Terence Goodlace and Ben Magara have called on AMCU to exercise “strong and responsible leadership” and to “direct and discipline” its members, following the union’s earlier ominous statement that the companies’ direct worker engagement could lead “to something else”, which the companies viewed as an acceptance of violence and intimidation.

“We recognise the right to strike as a fundamental right of employees, a right which has been respected throughout the dispute. But, we have a responsibility to communicate directly with our employees.

“We have heard them. Our employees wish to return to work, but have expressed a fear of continued intimidation and violence.

“We call on AMCU to recognise and uphold the rights of those who wish to work without fear of intimidation or violence," the CEOs added in a joint statement.

The Mining Consultative Forum and the Mining Peace Accord commits all unions to the rule of law as well as industry stability.

“We wish to implore all labour organisations and business to do everything possible to keep to their commitment to peace and stability,” the chamber said.

Companies are continuing to engage directly with workers to end the protracted platinum strike, which has dealt a heavy blow to the economy and the image of the South African mining sector.

Lonmin anticipates an operational restart after an “overwhelming” number of its 38 000 worker complement expressed the desire to return to work.

The company intends recommencing platinum processing by making use of a pipeline of stocks, which is still available as a result of its refineries being shut and its furnaces idled.