Belfast – Two people have been arrested in connection with the torching of several vehicles belonging to companies contracted to the Universal Coal Mine and a senior employee.
The vehicles were torched in separate incidents in Siyathuthuka Township near Belfast in Mpumalanga, on Monday evening.
Allegations are that a group of job hunters became agitated, unruly, and violent after an agreement with the coal mine’s management about possible employment fell through.
The angry mob allegedly set alight the cars in protest.
Two suspects aged 26 and 29 were later picked up by the police. They are expected to appear in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court.
They will face charges of public violence and malicious damage to property while other suspects are still being sought by the police.
Mpumalanga SA Police Service Spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the vehicles were set alight after the group handed over the memorandum of their grievances to the mine.
Brigadier Mohlala said the group turned violent after an attempt to have a follow-up meeting with the mine management was unsuccessful.
“The group of job seekers turned violent when they couldn’t reach an agreement with the mine management after their planned meeting couldn’t materialised,” Brigadier Mohlala said.
“During their gathering, two vehicles belonging to two different companies contracted to the mine were torched in different areas of the township.
“The group further advanced to the residence of one of the mine’s employees believed to be in management and torched his vehicles as well.
“The total value of the damaged properties will be known as the investigation continues.”
