The brutal murder of Eastern Cape anti-mining activist, Sikhosipi Rhadebe, has been roundly condemned by more than 80 civil society organisations.
Rhadebe, the chairperson of the Amadiba Crisis Committee, was shot eight times in the head on Tuesday night by two gunmen allegedly posing as police.
Committee members also allege that the gunmen arrived at his home in Lurhwoleni Township in Mbizana in a VW Polo with a revolving blue light.
On Wednesday a total of 82 civil society organisations said Rhadebe's murder was a reminder of an existing pattern of criminal attacks on civil society formations, especially those in townships, informal settlements and rural areas.
Busi Mtabane, the spokesperson for the Right2Know Campaign, said "this is not the first case of intimidation or violence against those who have opposed mining in the area."
"We will not be bullied and intend to speak out even more strongly than before. The key thing when civil society is being intimidated is to show no fear," she said.
"We demand that the Minister of Mineral Resources suspend all mining applications until there has been a full investigation regarding Rhadebe's murder. Also in terms of the community, we know the community has been receiving threats so we want full protection for all members of the Amadiba Crisis Committee and also their families," she said.
The Amadiba Crisis Committee, which is spearheading the anti-mining campaign, said "after one year of threats and attacks, we have been waiting for something like this to happen ever since the shootings in Xolobeni 3 May last year (2015) .. and ever since the Christmas shootings in Mdatya village."
Four people who were arrested in connection with the Christmas incident have been released on bail.
Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Khaya Tonjeni, said community allegations that include police inaction in dealing with the threats will be investigated.
"SAPS always encourages open engagement with members of the community with regard to issues of service delivery and services rendered by the (police) members. If any members of the community are not satisfied with the service from SAPS the individual or individuals can contact the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) so that their problems can be solved," Tonjeni said.
No arrests have yet been made in connection with Rhadebe's murder. He is survived by a wife and teenage son who had been admitted to hospital for treatment for shock.
Australian mining company Mineral Resources Commodities plans to mine the sand dunes of Xolobeni on the Wild Coast for titanium which is being opposed by some members of the local community.
MRC chairperson told Fin24 that "the company is in no way implicated in any form whatsoever in this incident. Statements to the contrary are simply unfounded. This company will not engage in any activity that incites violence.”
