The Chamber of Mines notes with alarm the murder of Wild Coast community leader Sikhosiphi Radebe on Tuesday. Mr Radebe was reportedly the leader of a campaign to prevent the granting of a mining right to Australian company Mineral Commodities (MRC) which wishes to mine the Xolobeni dunes for titanium in what is said to be a mineral rich but environmentally sensitive area.

Mr Radebe’s murder apparently follows a great deal of social conflict in the area over this issue in recent times.
While the Chamber is aware that in some circumstances mining can give rise to disputes between different interest groups, nothing can justify violence and murder. We call on the SAPS to investigate and bring the culprit or culprits to book as soon as possible.

We also call on the management of MRC and their local partners to engage with the different community groupings in the area in a spirit of peace and respect.
We trust the Department of Mineral Resources will adjudicate in this matter with due regard for the legitimate interests of all concerned.

 

Issued by Chamber of Mines