A group of job seekers from Siyathuthuka allegedly turned violent when they could not reach an agreement with Universal Coal Mine, in Belfast, Mpumalanga, after their planned meeting didn’t materialise on Monday.

According to a police report, the incident dates back to October 2, when those looking for employment marched to the mine to hand over complaints about the unavailability of job opportunities for locals.

After the march, they and mine management reached an agreement for a follow-up meeting, which was scheduled for Monday.

It is alleged that mine management could not allow everybody onto its premises and suggested that the group’s representatives be allowed in so that they could communicate the meeting’s outcomes.

The group didn’t agree and resorted to violence. Police contained the situation and the group was escorted back to Siyathuthuka.

The job seekers regrouped in the evening, from about 19:00 to 23:00.

During their gathering, two vehicles belonging to two different companies contracted to the mine, were allegedly torched in different areas of the township. The group then allegedly advanced the home of a mine employee, who is believed to hold a management position, and torched his vehicle as well.

The group gathered again yesterday morning and blockaded roads with burning tires.

Police tried to contain the situation, and two male suspects aged 26 and 29 were arrested for public violence.

The value of the damaged properties is still unknown.

The duo are expected to appear before Belfast Magistrate’s Court soon.

Police are monitoring the area and the situation is under control.

Mpumalanga SAPS condemned the acts of violence.