Fires blaze as mob protests

MOKOPANE - Employees and contractors of the mine gathered at the mine's parking area when protesters prevented them from reaching their place of work.

Arson to contractors’ vehicles and to mine property was also reported. The police confirmed that a mobile clinic in Mapela was burnt down by protestors.
Protesters allegedly also threatened to set a school in the area alight, said police.
According to Mogalakwena Platinum Mine’s manager, Richard Cox, two communities revolted.
He was unable to comment on the reason for the behaviour and told Northern News that the mine are working closely with the police.
Cox expressed his concern over the safety of his employees and the unnecessary disruption of the community.
He adds that negotiations with community leaders are under way.
The community of Mapela has various grievances. They are dissatisfied about the dust the mine’s activities produces and says it poses a health risk for them.
Nepotism and unfair employment practices is allegedly on their list and according to Capricorn FM News, protestors threaten to continue with protests until they are employed by the mine.
Employees of the mine, however, announced on Wednesday that they managed to report in at their work stations but were soon sent home again. This followed more threats from protestors warning management that they are about to continue blocking the entrances.
Some employee’s claim they were escorted from the mine premises as their safety were at risk. “As the municipality, we are aware that community members have the democratic right to protest and we don’t have a problem with that, but they have to respect the boundaries of the law,” says Malesela Selokela, Divisional Head of Communications for the Mogalakwena Municipality.
“However, we urge them to refrain from damaging government facilities, blocking and barricading roads, burning tires, throwing stones at the road users and spilling rubbish on the roads.”
He added that this disruptive action “endangers the lives of our people.”
“Our people should always follow the right channels by engaging with the mine or refer the matter to the municipality and see how they can reach a solution,” Selokela added.