Mothlohlo Community Blocks Forced Removals by Anglo Platinum

Mothlohlo Community Blocks Forced Removals by Anglo Platinum

PRESS STATEMENT from Jubilee South Africa, National Office

29th May 2007

Anglo Platinum has tried unsuccessfully to forcibly remove 10 families in Mothlohlo area near its PPL mine north of Mokopane in Limpopo. The community has worked toward making a proper agreement with the PPL Mine but Anglo Platinum has not responded. People of all ages have now blocked all roads into the area and no schools are in session due to the community protecting itself from forced removals by Anglo Platinum.

In the past, Anglo Platinum has sent the police, their subcontractors and private security to arrest, beat, and even dump bulldozers full of dirt on people while they are protecting their land.

Caroline Ramotsela, a community representative stated, "We want Anglo Platinum to come here so that they must negotiate with the community. Some of the agreements are made by a few individuals and do not represent us. Individuals sign without the full understanding of what they are doing. They cannot remove us without the entire community's full understanding and consent."

The community continues to block the roads with burned tires, stones, and with human chains and no vehicles are allowed in or out. The police are present but no arrests have yet been made.

For more information please contact Caroline Ramotsela 073 148 7037, Phillipos Dolo 084 023 6237, Brand Nthako (Jubilee South Africa) 082 628 1362, or Anne Mayher (Jubilee SA) 082 398 6882 akmayher@gmail.com.