OWN CORRESPONDENT, Bloemfontein | Monday
A THREE-day hearing is expected to start in London on Monday to determine a final date and processes to be followed for a lawsuit by about 5_000 South Africans suffering from asbestos-related diseases against British mining company Cape plc.
According to the claimants’ South African-based lawyer, Richard Spoor, the hearing was expected to determine a final date for the lawsuit. The claimants wish to have the case on the roll by October, while Cape plc is advocating for October next year.
The hearing will also set down cut-off dates for claims to be lodged, and determine what information has to be submitted by the claimants to Cape plc.
The hearing will also set down criteria for the selection of test cases. These test cases will be representative of all the claimants, as each and every case cannot be heard separately.
The hearing has already been postponed three times.
An estimated 100 claimants have died since the case started about three years ago. Efforts are still being made to reach an out-of-court settlement.
About 4_000 claimants have registered so far, and the figure is expected to peak at around 5_000.
The exact amount of money to be claimed from Cape plc has yet to be determined.
Cape Plc owned several asbestos mines in South Africa, including the Mafefe mine in the Northern Province and Prieska in the Northern Cape, which closed in the 1970s.
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FEATURES:
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BACKGROUND:
Links to issues related to toxic waste, asbestos and Thor chemicals