Situation remains tense in Mapela

MOGALAKWENA– Violent protests has entered its second week at Anglo’s Mogalakwena Platinum Mine. Communities in the area are demanding jobs from the mining company and have since last week caused havoc on the N11 North West of Mokopane (“Fires blaze as mob protests”, 4 September).
This negatively affected the latter mine’s production in a huge way as employees and contractors were unable to access their work places for a few days. The protestors also disturbed traffic and caused major damage to various properties.
A truck transporting potatoes was set ablaze on the N11 on Thursday after it was hit by a petrol bomb as it was driving past the protesting crowd. The driver escaped.
Police allegedly used rubber bullets to manage protesting crowds and arrested a number of protestors for public violence. The arrested suspects appeared in Mokerong Magistrate Court on Monday. A number of protesters were released on bail, while other only received a warning.
Thintha Mokhonoana, a spokesperson for the Mahwelereng Residents Association (MRA) reported on Monday that the road to Mapela via Mosesetjane is being closed off by protesters from Mapela. A terrified supermarket owner in Mapela phoned Northern News on Tuesday begging for help as he claimed protestors were breaking down his shop.
Despite the disruptions, employees and contractors reported for duty this week after mine manager; Richard Cox urged them to do so in a meeting last week Thursday. Employees were also told, “No work, no pay”.
Residents are also angry at the mine for wanting to relocate a high school to a new facility, 16 kilometers away from its current location. The mine undertook to provide transport to the new facility but communities say they will not be able to afford it.
Protests are still continuing and police are present to manage revolting members.
The mine says they are negotiating with communities to resolve the matter.