South Africa: International Metalworkers' Federation Senior Official Kidnapped

4 June 2001
Congress of South African Trade Unions (Johannesburg)
press release

Johannesburg — NUMSA is shocked and saddened by the sudden kidnapping of the senior official of International Metalworkers Federation (IMF), Mr. Rui Benjamin Cossa. It is alleged that Mr. Cossa was kidnapped on the afternoon of the 24th May 2001 by unknown people in Johannesburg, Braamfontein, corner Smith and Station Road.

Mr. Cossa is currently the coordinator of all African Metalworkers unions. He was also a General Secretary of the Mozambican Federations of Trade Unions and Governor of Maputo Province.

Mr. Cossa is of great assistance to the African region in the permanent fight to improve the collective interests of the workers in general, and the IMF in particular. He coordinates the activities of IMF with dedication and zeal.

The South African Police Services and metalworkers have been searching for Mr. Cossa without trace.

The union is appealing to community to help to find Mr. Cossa. The union will embark on mass search on Wednesday and Saturday this week.

The kidnapping of Mr. Cossa is troubling the union and the International Metalworkers unions in the region and internationally. So far there are no signs of his whereabouts and we requesting those who have information to come forward and assist. The kidnapping of Mr. Cossa is an act of barbaric and cowardly deed. We condemning the act and would want Mr. Cossa to be released by kidnappers.

For more information Contact Mr. Dumisa Ntuli at 689 1700 or cell 082 973 7282

Patrick Craven and Moloto Mothapo Acting COSATU Spokespersons 011 339 4911 0r 082 821 7456

siphiwe@cosatu.org.za 082-821-7456 339-4911

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