Anglo American Platinum Limited (‘Anglo American Platinum’ or ‘the Company’) is saddened by an alleged violent criminal incident that occurred at its Thembelani Mine, Rustenburg on the morning of Sunday the 8th of March 2015.
The incident occurred at the women’s change house at the mine and preliminary investigations indicate that one female employee was allegedly sexually assaulted by an outsider who gained access to the mine site illegally, whilst the same intruder also attempted to harm a second female employee. Both female employees are receiving trauma counselling and medical support provided by the Company.
Swift action by the company’s protection services resulted in the suspect being apprehended on the same day and was handed over to the South African Police Services (SAPS). The suspect is due to appear in court this week.
Anglo American Platinum condemns violence against women in any shape or form. Chris Griffith, Chief Executive Officer of Anglo American Platinum said: “We are deeply saddened by and strongly condemn this violent criminal act. The safety of all of our employees is our number one priority. We are currently investigating how this incident could happen and, in particular, whether any security lapses occurred. We are committed to doing everything in our ability to make any necessary changes to our security measures to ensure that this, or something similar, does not happen again.”
The Company is working closely with the SAPS and it has also launched an internal investigation.