LIMPOPO – Police Spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said at the time that residents in the area complained about existing employment and business opportunities that are given to outsiders instead of Ba-Phalaborwa residents.
Violent protests erupted in the area and the community went on a rampage by torching the offices of the mine and a motor vehicle.
“The main gate of the mine was vandalised and valuable items such as computers were also taken,” he added.
The police made 11 arrests on the day of the incident, and these perpetrators appeared in the Phalaborwa Magistrate’s Court on 1 March, facing charges of trespass, arson, malicious damage to property and public violence.
Read more: More arrests expected following protest at mine in Phalaborwa
They are still in custody and are set to appear in the Phalaborwa Magistrate’s Court again on Tuesday, 9 March.
“The arrest of the three men today brings the total number of suspects arrested to 14. The three, aged 34, 36 and 44, will face similar charges and are expected to appear in the same court on Monday, 8 March,” Mojapelo.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Nneke Ledwaba commended the members for making these additional arrests and urged them to be relentless in their pursuit of all those who took part in the violent protest.
