Torching of RBM machinery condemned
While no arrests have been made, police have been deployed to monitor the situation
KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni has condemned the torching of machinery at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).
The heavy earth moving equipment – stationed at the mine’s ponds – were set alight on Friday afternoon. While no arrests have been made, police have been deployed to monitor the situation.
‘No injuries or fatalities were reported during the incident and RBM is still assessing the extent of the damage in order to quantify the financial losses the company has incurred,’ said MEC Nkonyeni.
The MEC said those behind the vandalism and destruction of property must face the full might of the law.
‘As the provincial government, we will not allow a situation whereby a multinational company that employs thousands of people is turned into a crime scene.
‘The burning of machinery and destruction of property is nothing but criminality and police must arrest those responsible for these criminal acts.
Those who are disgruntled must table their concerns through appropriate channels in order for them to be resolved amicably without resorting to violence,’ she said.
‘Such violent incidents have a negative impact on the economy of Richards Bay so we must all work together and resolve this ongoing impasse and bring life back to normality for the benefit of all.
‘The provincial government will continue engaging with all stakeholders with the view of finding a lasting solution and all concerned parties need to play their part in working towards ensuring peace and stability in Richards Bay to ensure business continuity at RBM.’
