Families accuse coal mine in Mpumalanga of destroying their houses

Four families in Breyten, Mpumalanga are accusing Ikoti Coal Mine of destroying their houses when they blast at the mine.

The families residing close to the mine also allege that the mine has tampered with the gravesite while conducting its operations.

The families spokesperson Johannes Mokoena says all attempts to engage with the mine management has failed.

“As community members we have lot of concerns related to lack of consultation by the mine even before it was established, non-existent of SLP. The graves that are under siege, which are demolished inside the mine, more than thirty graves are under siege, livestock are walking while they are mining.”

Meanwhile, the Msukalingwa Local Municipality in Ermelo Mpumalanga says it was not aware that Ikoti Mine operates close to people’s houses. Municipal official Bongani Motha says the municipality will convene an urgent meeting to investigate the matter.

“We were not aware that there are houses that are affected by the blasting activities of Ikoti Mine. We didn’t receive any complaint from those communities, however as the municipality we are committed in resolving the issue that are facing our communities and as I see that this is an urgent matter that needs our urgent attention.”