Amplats CEO says striking AMCU union using violence to achieve demands

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 19 (Reuters) - The chief executive of Anglo American Platinum AMSJ.J said on Wednesday that South Africa's AMCU union, whose members downed tools four weeks ago at its operations, was trying to achieve its demands through "violence and criminal acts."

Chris Griffith also said his company was "exploring" the option of trying to have the strike declared illegal by the courts because of AMCU's actions.

He was speaking during a media briefing with the chief executives of Lonmin LMI.L and Impala Platinum , whose operations have been hit by the same strike.

(Reporting by Ed Stoddard and Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo)

((Edward.Stoddard@thomsonreuters.com; +27 11 775 3160; Reuters Messaging: edward.stoddard.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

Keywords: SAFRICA STRIKES/CEOS