NFP calls for government intervention over mining murders
The National Freedom Party in KZN is urging the Department of Mineral Resources to intervene, following the recent murders of two people in northern KZN, one of whom was an environmental activist.
The SA Human Rights Commission this week condemned the murder of Fikile Ntshangase in her Ophondweni home, near Mtubatuba last month.
The 63-year-old was a vocal opponent of plans by an open coal mine to expand operations in the area. She'd also been involved in legal proceedings to prevent them from going ahead as Somkhlele residents had raised environmental concerns.
This week, a security guard at the mine was shot and killed.
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The NFP's Canaan Mdletshe says violence in the area's increased over the years, as families oppose the company's expansion plans.
"Government must come to the party, government must ensure that the mine is closed because it is problematic to the community. If the locals want to stay in the area they must not be forced to relocate."
