/ 19 July 2000

ASBESTOSIS VICTIMS READY TO SUE

ASBESTOSIS victims in South Africa are ready to take the British based mining company, Cape PLC, to the International Court of Justice should they not be granted the opportunity to sue the company in British courts. Northern Province health MEC Sello Moloto made the statement during a report back meeting held at Ga-Mathabatha near Lebowakgomo in the Northern Province on Tuesday, SABC reported. Moloto said many community organisations in Britain have promised to stage protests at the Cape PLC subsidiaries in support of the South African victims. The British House of Lords is expected to give a ruling on Thursday on whether the thousands of asbestosis sufferers in the Northern Province and in the Northern Cape will be able to sue the company in Britain. The victims believe they could get higher compensation in Britain.