They were arrested for allegedly instigating a protest which resulted in the closure of the R526 road towards Hoedspruit/Mica and R71 from Phalaborwa to Tzaneen. The strike disrupted traffic and prevented motorists from reaching Phalaborwa, Hoedspruit, and Tzaneen, leaving them looking for alternative routes to reach their destinations. According to community members, they resorted to striking after Stibium Mine did not revert back to them regarding a way forward in the building of a new school.

Also read: Service delivery protests cause major disruptions

“The mine has decided that they will build a new primary school catering for learners from lower grades outside of the mine’s premises to ensure easy access. The new school will replace the lower primary school which is based at the mine and was built years back. It was agreed that the management of the mine that after they have hired a contractor, will announce him or her to the community and a steering committee would be formulated. “However, the deadline that they gave us to introduce the contractor, has passed without a word from them.

“We now noticed people doing a site inspection in the vicinity where the school is supposed to be built without us being consulted. We are disappointed and angry as to why they are not engaging with us as promised,” a disgruntled resident told the Herald The Herald contacted Roy Shikwambana, general manager of Stibium Mine. He said he could not comment on the matter. The three men arrested appeared before the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court and at the time of going to print on Tuesday, November 1, the court outcome was still unknown.