| South African government representatives and communities
affected by asbestos came to London in June as the Cape case reached the House of Lords. Judgement is due either later this month or in October, and the case may go to the European Courts of Justice. Miners and local residents seek compensation for asbestos-related deaths and disease. The UK based company Cape plc now has no assets in South Africa but says the case should proceed there, where its victims have no legal aid or prospect of compensation. Suing a company in its country of origin is established EU practice but last year the Appeal Court ordered the case be shifted to South Africa. |
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For further background on the conditions and fightback by miners and communities see “Cape Dust”. |
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