According to an anonymous source, the mine has allegedly been threatening 200 workers to report for duty, despite the area being declared a disaster area by the National Disaster Management Centre after vigorous consultations with the provincial government. “How can we work if there is no work? Our contracts said no work no pay. But we feel this is a disaster, we cannot get the blame for that,” the source says.

The text message the anonymous source showed OFM News, reads: "Dear employee, as communicated to you, your union officials, shop stewards and employees representatives on various occasions. Your failure to return to work will be handled on a no work no pay basis. The company reserves all of its rights." 

ALSO READ: #Jagersfontein declared disaster area

This comes after allegations that some of the mine employees, originally from the town, were suspended whilst those outside the town were not. OFM News previously reported that a community leader, Lefa Shale, told OFM News that the mine was operating covertly despite the status quo.

Shale said the mine management has never set foot in the affected areas to address residents following the Sunday 11 September disaster.

ALSO READ: Jagersfontein residents demand answers from mine

On Sunday 11 September the mine dam wall collapsed and released tons of mud, which claimed the lives of two people, left scores injured, one missing, over 200 people destitute or homeless, and almost 100 houses destroyed.

ALSO READ: Houses, cars swept away by strong stream of water in Free State town | WATCH

OFM News previously reported that frustrated residents of Jagersfontein in the Kopanong Local Municipality, who have been left homeless or destitute, have discussed intentions with so-called big-time Bloemfontein lawyers to sue the JDP following the disaster.

ALSO READ - #JagersfonteinDisaster: Residents rope in 'big-time' lawyers

This was as bilateral talks began between the municipality and the Free State Provincial Government regarding the possibility to pave the way for the municipality to sue the mine, following the disaster that damaged Jagersfontein.

“The mayor has since interacted with the Office of the Premier in terms of starting bilateral [talks] of how the whole process of ensuring that we restore the lives of our people will translate and move forward. However, of greater emphasis from the mayor and the council, is that we then need to start bilateral talks with the mine bosses themselves to see what we are going to move forward with, and what it is that they are committing to financially.

"That, in itself - we are relying on the provincial government in facilitating those meetings or talks with the mine bosses,” the municipality spokesperson, Solomzi Phama, said.

ALSO READ - #JagersfonteinDisaster: Municipality discussing legal action against mine – WATCH

Phama said negligence was something that has been raised by the mayor, Xolani Tseletsele, even before he ascended to the position of mayor.

ALSO READ - #JagersfonteinDisaster: Alleged negligence led to collapse of dam – WATCH

On Tuesday 11 October 2022, residents held a protest march to the mine.

ALSO READ: Jagersfontein residents demand answers from mine

The Premier's Office and the mine are yet to comment on OFM News’ enquiry.

OFM News