The violence within the rural community of Somkhele near Mtubatuba has allegedly been increasing over the years, particularly against families opposed to the expansion of the Somkhele Coal Mine owned by Tendele Coal Mining.
Ntshangase was attacked last week Thursday by five gunmen who entered her home under the pretence of buying water from her tuck shop. Three men held her grandson in the yard while the others went inside the home and shot her several times. “The mine makes offers to relocate a family using a relocation protocol which has been agreed upon by community representatives which include the traditional council, indunas, Royal House and others. The mine also provides for an upset allowance, customary rituals and for moving costs.“The mine has placed no pressure on any family to relocate, and has spent over 10 000 hours engaging and negotiating with families for relocation to facilitate its expansion.
“With Tholakele, we gave a lot of information to the police about individuals that had been coming to the house a few weeks before the attack. They demanded she sign the agreement with the mine or face bloodshed if she refused,” she said. “There are people that need compensation, and Tendele does not have any environmental authorisation for any of its mining.”“We have a group of clients who are not satisfied with the terms that are being offered to them and the mine is playing on the fears and insecurities of the people.”
The easiest way South Africans solve issues is violence. What a mentality
May her soul rest in everlasting peace. What a Mobokodo she was to have stood up for her people against those exploiters for such a long time.