Protestors demolish vehicles
The Phola community is unhappy with the South 32 mine operating round the area that was initially zoned for human settlement.
Protestors took to the streets filled with rage and anger. The Phola community is unhappy with the South 32 mine operating round the area that was initially zoned for human settlement.
On Tuesday, May 29 at 04:00, a group of people gathered at Phola entrance and blocked the road using burning tires and stones.
A truck that went up in flames during the strike at the Phola entrance.
They made it clear that no one is allowed to pass through. They were singing and blocking all vehicles that attempted to enter or leave Phola Location.
The protest turned violent and 10 protestors were arrested by Phola Police at about 10:00.
After the arrests the crowd calmed down and the situation was back to normal and under control.
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Later that day at about 18:30 they mobilized again and blocked the entrance to Phola Location once again. A truck and bakkie that attempted to pass through got hijacked at 19:00 and was set on fire.
Both the vehicles burned down to the ground. More vehicles were damaged because they have allegedly been thrown with stones. No suspects have been arrested for the damage to the vehicles but a Public Violence case has been opened at Phola Police Station.
A vehicle that was being burned during the strike at the Phola entrance on Tuesday, 29 May.
On Monday, 4 June the protestors were back at it again blocking all entrances and exits from Phola with burning tyres and debris. Phola SAPS were on the scene and monitored the situation.
The public was advised to use alternative routes so that unnecessary damage to vehicles could be avoided. It was said that the protest will move from Phola to the South 32 Klipspruit offices.
