News24 reports that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe were forced to abandon their meeting with angry residents of Stilfontein after insults were hurled at them.

The pair, who were joined by the North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi and the police top brass, walked away from the abandoned Shaft 11 of Buffelsfontein gold mine, where they had addressed the media and residents who were chanting slogans. In one of the residents’ songs, they specifically insulted Mchunu, calling the police minister a dog. The crowd was being addressed by the attorney for Lawyers for Human Rights, Mametlwe Sebei, when they turned on Mchunu and Mantashe. "We should call it what it is. These ministers are here at the scene of the crime. Hundreds of miners have died underground in what can only be a blood culmination of their treacherous policies of the police operation, planned and executed with the approval at the highest echelon of the state, including the Cabinet," Sebei claimed. Mchunu lashed out at Sebei and said: "Look, we came here to listen and see what you wanted to say. If you are preparing for a (criminal) charge, go on. We are leaving you here. You are rude." "Voetsek," residents shouted.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ntwaagae Seleka at News24 (subscription or trial registration required)
• Read too, Stilfontein community disappointed by ministers not engaging them, at SABC News

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