The Low’s Creek Periodical Court near Barberton in Mpumalanga has postponed a case against six suspects accused of torching a camping site for former Lily mine workers and families of three people trapped underground.
The suspects allegedly torched shacks and tents at the camping site in April this year.
Five suspects, Lawrence Masilela, Mduduzi Dlamini, Joshua Mazibuko, Patrick Lubisi and Ntando Myeni appeared briefly in court.
VIDEO: Families of dead Lily Mine workers camp outside mine premises
Kaizer Gwebu did not show up. The Magistrate confirmed that Gwebu has forfeited his bail.
It is alleged that the group attacked the families and torched their tents and shacks with belongings inside.
The suspects are currently out on bail.
Some of them were also workers at the mine.
The former workers and families of the trapped miners say they are now live in fear at the camp site. One of the former workers, Harry Mazibuko says they want answers regarding the attack.
Mazibuko pleaded with the justice system to speed up the process and conclude the matter.
“The detectives have said that they have finalised the investigation and that is killing us because we believe it’s a matter of urgency and our safety so that we know that the law has taken its course and we are protected,” says Harry Mazibuko.
Lily mine was closed after it collapsed five years ago, leaving Solomon Nyirenda, Yvonne, Mnisi and Pretty Yende trapped underground. Their remains are yet to be retrieved. The workers and the families of the three trapped miners have been camping outside the mine for more than two years.
Gwebu, who failed to appear in court, is scheduled to make his next appearance on 19 August while the five others will be back in court on 9 September.
VIDEO: Push for Lily Mine to reopen
