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Protester killed as mine unrest escalates in S. Africa

Xinhua, May 13, 2015 Adjust font size:

South African Police killed a protester and injured another as unrest escalated in a mining area in northern part of the country, authorities said on Wednesday.

The incident took place overnight during clashes between protesters and police in Atok outside Burgersfort in Limpopo Province, provincial authorities said.

Residents in Atok, a platinum mining area, have been protesting for two days to press their demand for the Bokoni Platinum mine, a subsidiary of Anglo Platinum, to respond to community concerns.

Protesters complain that since Bokoni Platinum started operation, the community has not benefited from the mining operations despite the company's pledge to develop the community.

Residents are also demanding to be employed at the Bokoni Platinum mine.

During the protest, a mobile crane that was travelling in the area was torched by the protesters. The driver was slightly injured as he was attacked by the protesters, according to witnesses.

Police opened fire, killing a 28-year-old protester and injuring another, in a bid to disperse protesters who blockaded the road with rocks and burning tyres.

More police have been deployed in the area to monitor the situation, police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said. Endi