Families locked in at Shongweni Dam as protesters set tyres on fire

DOZENS of families were ‘held hostage’ at Shongweni Dam at the weekend due to an alleged labour dispute between Msinsi Resorts and Game Reserves and local residents.

The protesters set tyres alight outside the main entrance to the dam.

“Some people were only booked in for Saturday night and we were held hostage when trying to leave on Sunday morning. Children were crying and were only escorted out by police at about 2pm. We had to clear the tyres that had been set alight by the protesters,” said concerned dad, Johan O’Kelly.

The family was staying in tented chalets and needed to check out by 10am on Sunday morning.

When O’Kelly arrived to drop off the keys, he said the main office was locked and there were no staff on site.

“Two policemen at the gate said we weren’t able to leave as they were concerned the protesters would damage the vehicles,” he said.

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In an attempt to leave, he pleaded with the protesters.

“I said my son needs food and was threatened with violence.”

O’Kelly was there with his wife, two daughters who are 12 and 13 years old and his two-year-old son.

“People’s children were most affected. My one daughter didn’t sleep that evening,” said the dad.

Msinisi Resorts and Game Reserves has failed to comment on the situation despite numerous attempts to make contact with its representatives.

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