UPDATE: 11 arrested after protests on N11

The entrance to Anglo American's Mogalakwena Platinum Mine was blocked off by protesters on Monday morning.

September 9, 2016

Jolandi Fourie 1 minute read

A truck transporting platinum concentrate was set alight in the early hours of Monday morning during a protest by community members of Ga-Molekane and Ga-Chaba Village. Photo: Supplied

MOKOPANE – A total of 11 people appeared before the Mokerong Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for public violence after a truck transporting platinum concentrate worth millions of Rand, was set alight in the early hours of Monday morning and the entrance to Anglo American’s Mogalakwena Platinum Mine was blocked off by protesters.

Community members of Ga-Molekane and Ga-Chaba Village raised their concerns against the mine, by barricading the entrance on the N11 at Witvinger and the entrance into Ga-Chaba and Ga-Molekane Village with rocks.

Samuel Mashishi, Community Leader of Ga-Chaba Village, told Bosveld on Tuesday: “The mine made various promises to us, such as to employ local residents and to develop the local area, but after numerous months we have grown tired of their empty promises.” Mashishi further said: “More than eight communities within Mapela have already agreed that we will raise our concerns in unison until our concerns are adhered.”

The 11 suspects who appeared before the magistrate’s court were released on R500 bail and the case was postponed to 5 October.

Mpumi Sithole, Media Manager at Anglo American, gave the following statement with regard to the protest: Anglo American Platinum confirms that its Mogalakwena Mine is operating normally following an isolated incident by a small number of community members from the Ga-Molekana village who temporarily blockaded roads leading to the mine and set a truck alight on a public road on Monday morning. The Mogalakwena Mine management is working with the community task team, which was set up in conjunction with the South African Human Rights Commission in 2015, to address the community concerns and ensure on-going engagement”.

Mahwelereng Police Spokesperson Constable Sello Leso, told Bosveld on Wednesday that tensions were still running high in both these villages. “We are observing the area and we appeal to all community members to refrain from public violence and malicious damage to property.”