Angry residents went on a rampage, blocking roads with burning tyres, rocks and whatever they could lay their hands on.
They destroyed the new gate at the mine and eventually gained entrance to the main gate with roads blocked with stones, burning tyres and bushes on the side of the road.
Police officers initially fired rubber bullets at protestors after burning a scrap vehicle and destroying the gate, but the brave protestors proceeded to the main gate where they caused the mayhem.
Their anger is said to have sparked by the managers at the mine for not meeting their demands.
The community said they want 70% of lift two plants to go to the villagers.
They also mentioned that the mine is hiring people from outside this area instead of hiring residents, claiming that this town belongs to the people of Makhushane.
Employees at PC working afternoon shift could not go to work since there was no access, the road was blocked.
A resident who did not want to be identified said the burning of tyres, bushes and the vehicle could be a way of showing their dissatisfaction with the way the mine management is handling things.
Palabora Copper’s representative, Hulisani Nemaxwi said these marchers have hidden agendas because they don’t want to participate in negotiations.
‘These marches are influenced by chieftaincy feuds. We are following the correct procedures in hiring and already more than 500 CV’s have been registered on our data base,’ said Nemaxwi
