OFM News' Mark Steenbok and Josca Human were attacked and robbed after arriving at the scene where disgruntled protestors blocked entrances to the township. Burning tyres, rocks and other objects were used to barricade roads. Protestors, including youth, are up in arms about a lack of job opportunities at mines in the Goldfields. According to Makhele, the area is currently under control as police have been deployed to the area.

“Members of the Public Order Police Unit stabilised the situation. In the process, we experienced some members who were looting shops in the area of Kutlwanong, Odendaalsrus, but police also intervened in that situation and up to this moment we can report that it is under control,” explained Makhele.

According to Steenbok, they were still in the OFM News car when a protester approached them and took their car keys. Steenbok says other protesters then joined and surrounded the car, demanding all their possessions. He says they were extremely aggressive and the journalists, therefore, did not resist. All their belongings, including cell phones, shoes, a camera and a handbag were taken. Steenbok bravely managed to wrestle the car keys back and rushed to the nearest police station. They were physically unharmed.

OFM News