Phalaborwa Protests

[Sprocky]

UPDATE: RIOTERS CLOSE ALL BUSINESS CENTRES IN AND AROUND PHALABORWA

Bulletin has received an update that the violent rioters responsible for the closure of all the main routes into and out of Phalaborwa town last week, were starting up again this afternoon.

Over the weekend the Police and the Public Order Policing units (POP) managed to defuse the situation and with the help of members of local security groups, removed the barricades from the R71 and R40 routes. Police maintained a strong visible presence throughout the weekend and are still on site as rioters prepare to resume their illegal actions.

A message was broadcast an hour ago stating that the BCF members had attempted to close the Hoedspruit to Phalaborwa route as this was the main vain for the hundreds of trucks to and from the mine. They were continuously dispersed and were seen in the bushes next to the road threatening drivers with rocks and ketties (catapults).

The latest right now is that Namakgale and Phalaborwa's business centres have been closed down and all staff have been sent home for their own safety.

The rioters have reportedly gathered at the taxi ranks of Phalaborwa and Namakgale.

Both routes are open but motorists are advised to use extreme caution as the situation is volatile.

Bulletin has a journalist at the scene and we will keep you updated.
The video attached to the news report was taken in Namakgale centre just 10 kilometres outside of Phalaborwa.

[Lisbeth]

What's the reason? Sounds worse than the usual protests

[Richprins]

How many arrested?

[Lisbeth]

[Sprocky]

Speak Out Phalaborwa Breaking News

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner: Limpopo

To all media

Monday 12 April 2020

*PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER CONDEMNS VIOLENT PROTESTS AND LAWLESSNESS IN PHALABORWA*

POLOKWANE - The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has strongly condemned the violent protests that have erupted in the areas around Phalaborwa, Namakgale and Lulekani since last week.

As a result of these violent protests, a decision has been taken to deploy more police members to contain the situation and to hunt down the instigators and anyone involved.

The protests have disrupted services in the areas and some point, the major routes such as the R71 and R40 were made inaccessible by protesters who used burning tyres and other barricades to block the roads and this resulted in people failing to go to work and children were also unable to go to school.

“We will not hesitate to take strong action, including arresting anyone who instigates or participates in these violence”, said General Ledwaba.

“The police will maintain their strong presence in the affected areas to contain the situation and we therefore urge our communities to return back to their normal lives”, concluded General Ledwaba.

Anyone with information about the suspects is requested to contact the District Commissioner of Mopani Major General Maggy Mathebula on 082 499 1969, the Crime Stop number 0860010111 or the nearest police.

Ends

Enquires: Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo
SAPS Limpopo
082 8766 429

[Lisbeth]

I still don't know why they are protesting

[Richprins]

More local jobs at the mines, and apparently it started over service delivery too.

[Lisbeth]

Phalaborwa looked like a rather well to do town to me, when I stayed there 2 1/2 years ago. Maybe the ones protesting are living elsewhere

[Richprins]

There are normally politics involved somewhere too!

[Lisbeth]

There have to be someone behind to start the whole thing and normally there is a "something" that the protesters do not even know about