Four suspects linked to ongoing violence over proposed sand mining rights at Xolobeni on the Wild Coast have been remanded in custody following their appearance in the Mbizana Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
They were arrested last week following violence on December 29 in which three people were seriously injured.
The victims were reportedly part of a group of five people leaving a mass meeting in Mdatya village when they were accosted by 10 men wielding knobkerries and bush knives.
One of the assailants allegedly pulled out a gun during the attack.
Amadiba Crisis Committee (ACC) deputy chairman Mzamo Dlamini said two of the group escaped serious harm while the oth er three were severely assaulted.
They were rushed to hospital. The Daily Dispatch was yesterday unable to ascertain the extent of their injuries.
Dlamini said the mass meeting had been held to discuss recent attacks on their headwoman, Cynthia Duduzile Baleni.
“Shots were fired at her house and at her parent’s home on several occasions.
was called by people who were trying to figure out who was behind the attacks and find solutions on how to put a stop to it.”
The ACC is opposed to mining in Xolobeni while another faction is in favour.
“The rival groups have been fighting for nearly two decades over the proposal to mine the titanium-rich red sand dunes in the area.
National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesman Luxolo Tyali said the four suspects – Xolile Dimane, 25, Thembile Ndovela and Mzukwana Mpele, both 32, and Simthandile Bhele, 31 – were charged with attempted murder, two counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
They will appear in court again today for a formal bail application.
Police spokesman Captain Mlungisi Matidane meanwhile said although the situation was calm in Xolobeni, police were conducting regular patrols.
Australian-based mining company Mineral Commodity Limited, through its South African subsidiary Transworld Energy and Minerals, wants to mine a 22km stretch of titanium rich sand dunes along Kwanyana Beach in the Mgungundlovu administrative area of Xolobeni.
The project is reportedly being advocated by the Xolobeni Empowerment Company and those in favour of the mining say it will create much needed jobs in the area.
However, the ACC has vehemently opposed the initiative arguing that chemicals used during the mining process would contaminate crops, grazing fields, estuaries and drinking water sources.
Dlamini, speaking to the Dispatch yesterday, accused a businessman and a local chief of being the “mastermind” behind attacks on those opposed to the mining.
Neither the businessman or chief could be reached for comment at the time of writing.
Dlamini said the rival group was trying to intimidate people into leaving their homes.
On Friday a house was reportedly burnt down in Sigidi village after the occupants fled in fear two days earlier.
Four held for attack linked to mining
They were arrested last week following violence on December 29 in which three people were seriously injured.
The victims were reportedly part of a group of five people leaving a mass meeting in Mdatya village when they were accosted by 10 men wielding knobkerries and bush knives.
One of the assailants allegedly pulled out a gun during the attack.
Amadiba Crisis Committee (ACC) deputy chairman Mzamo Dlamini said two of the group escaped serious harm while the oth er three were severely assaulted.
They were rushed to hospital. The Daily Dispatch was yesterday unable to ascertain the extent of their injuries.
Dlamini said the mass meeting had been held to discuss recent attacks on their headwoman, Cynthia Duduzile Baleni.
“Shots were fired at her house and at her parent’s home on several occasions.
was called by people who were trying to figure out who was behind the attacks and find solutions on how to put a stop to it.”
The ACC is opposed to mining in Xolobeni while another faction is in favour.
“The rival groups have been fighting for nearly two decades over the proposal to mine the titanium-rich red sand dunes in the area.
National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesman Luxolo Tyali said the four suspects – Xolile Dimane, 25, Thembile Ndovela and Mzukwana Mpele, both 32, and Simthandile Bhele, 31 – were charged with attempted murder, two counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
They will appear in court again today for a formal bail application.
Police spokesman Captain Mlungisi Matidane meanwhile said although the situation was calm in Xolobeni, police were conducting regular patrols.
Australian-based mining company Mineral Commodity Limited, through its South African subsidiary Transworld Energy and Minerals, wants to mine a 22km stretch of titanium rich sand dunes along Kwanyana Beach in the Mgungundlovu administrative area of Xolobeni.
The project is reportedly being advocated by the Xolobeni Empowerment Company and those in favour of the mining say it will create much needed jobs in the area.
However, the ACC has vehemently opposed the initiative arguing that chemicals used during the mining process would contaminate crops, grazing fields, estuaries and drinking water sources.
Dlamini, speaking to the Dispatch yesterday, accused a businessman and a local chief of being the “mastermind” behind attacks on those opposed to the mining.
Neither the businessman or chief could be reached for comment at the time of writing.
Dlamini said the rival group was trying to intimidate people into leaving their homes.
On Friday a house was reportedly burnt down in Sigidi village after the occupants fled in fear two days earlier.
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