Wild Coast community blames Australian mining company for violence

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The Amadiba Crisis Committee in the Eastern Cape says it wants to send a strong message to Australian mining company, MRC, which it blames for violence in their village.

Transworld, a subsidiary of MRC, has been pursuing the mining of titanium at Xolobeni on the Wild Coast, despite strong opposition from community members, led by the Crisis Committee.

However, in its opposition to the proposed mines, the Committee had found resistance among some community members, which has resulted in violence and the death of at least 11 ACC members.

One of those killed, was Crisis Committee chairperson, Sikhosiphi “Bazooka” Rhadebe, who was gunned down in front of his wife and children at their Amadiba home in March.

Speaking outside Parliament on Wednesday, committee member and community activist, Sibusiso Mqadi said a protest, which began at the provincial office of the Department of Mineral Resources and ended at the National Assembly Wednesday, coincided with the run-up to an MRC annual general meeting.