Police in Ermelo, Mpumalanga have had their hands full since Monday. Residents were protesting over the arrest of illegal miners and in the process disrupted learning in schools.According to Mpumalanga SAPS spokesman Brigadier Maakadikwe Mohlala residents blamed the police for the protests.He explained that police were criticised for arresting  illegal miners in their area.
"The community said they would protest until the illegal miners were released. A resident also threatened that the community will burn the police station,"said Mohlala.

LEARNERS AND COMMUNITY MAKE DEMANDS

He told Zimoja that police were still monitoring the situation after residents disrupted lessons at a primary and high school. "On the 18 of October, during the day, protesters disrupted activities at Wesselton Primary school and Reggie Masuku Secondary School. As the police attemped to control the protesters, learners from the secondary school also threw objects at police members,"he said.

RELEASE THEM OR ELSE

Mohlala said the protesters were also throwing bricks at vehicles passing on the N11. They were also burning tyres in the road. " When the police intervened the protesters threw bricks at Police members.As a result rubber bullets were used to disperse the protestors. He said the shops owned by foreign nationals were also vandalised however, but no cases to that effect have been reported to the police.
He said no arrests had been made but protesters threatened to disturb the peace until illegal miners were released.