Rustenburg – The situation was calm but tense in Phalaborwa on Tuesday evening following a violent protest, Limpopo police said.
“The main road is opened but streets in the township are still blocked,” said police spokesperson Colonel Ronel Otto.
Three trucks and two bakkies were torched during the protest, which started on Sunday.
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said it fully supported the ongoing the protest by members of the community in Phalaborwa but was strongly opposed to any use of violence by the community to achieve their goal.
“We urge the community to embark on a peaceful strike and refrain from destroying the property,” the union said.
On Monday, Palabora Mining Company confirmed that there was an ongoing illegal and violent protest by the members of the community in Phalaborwa, which was impacting negatively on the safety of employees, contractors, the protesters themselves and was impacting on the production of the company.
“This unfortunate development is happening at the most critical time in the mining industry and the economy. It can have significant ramifications to the future of Palabora – impacting on the execution of the R 9.3 billion Lift II project schedule and delivery and may lead to the mine closure,” said spokesperson Hulisani Nemaxwi.
“The company is opposed to any use of violent means by the community to achieve whatsoever objectives. We remain resolute that we have the best interest of our communities and have always maintained an open door policy to engage with our communities. We however cannot continue engaging in a hostile climate.”
ANA