SEIZED FOR VIOLENCE

Ex-platinum director is arrested

AS the ruling party prepares for battle in Midrand this week, the Bakubung Ba Ratheo community near Sun City enters its own tussle with the arrest of former Wesizwe Platinum director Disele Johannes Phologane aka DJ.

Phologane was arrested on Tuesday with 13 youths for violence or incitement to violence.

North West police spokesperson Brigadier Thulani Ngubane says Phologane is the alleged ringleader of a gang of youths who have been using threats of violence or violent protests to demand employment from Wesizwe Platinum in Ledig.

Phologane appeared in the Mogwase Magistrates ’ Court and the matter was stood down for seven days to allow police to complete their investigations.

Wesizwe Platinum and Bakubung Ba Ratheo have been in the news the last two years since the power struggle broke which threatened the functioning of the mine.

Bakubung, like Bafokeng Rustenburg, own the land on which a platinum mining company digs for riches but allegations of personal squabbles, missing millions and political meddling have put paid to the rise of this small but poor nation’s ambitions.

Phologane was a non-executive director at the mine until he was voted off the board on December 17 2009.

He and his alleged cohorts were remanded and will remain behind bars until their next appearance on Friday.

A source in the Monnakgotla royal family says if the allegations against Phologane are true, then they will have an interest in the matter.

“On September 22 2010 the Royal family obtained a court order against Phologane prohibiting him from committing acts of violence or inciting acts of violence, ” says the family member.

“If he has violated this order to the detriment of the community, on whose behalf this application was granted, we have to consult to see how to take the matter forward.” mzwandile@sundayworld.co.za Follow me on Twitter @mzwaik