Community Sets Fire to Drilling Rig

Community Sets Fire to Drilling Rig

PRESS RELEASE

groundWork, South Africa

28th May 2007

Community members in Maandagshoek set fire to an exploration drilling vehicle today in response to the bail application for the Maandagshoek 18 being postponed, leaving the arrested people, including two breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women in jail for a further seven days.

People were arrested on Wednesday last week, for allegedly placing stones in a community road that was being used by the mining company, Nkwe Resources ( http://www.nkweplatinum.com/index.phtml) who is undertaking exploration in the area. Nkwe Resources in incorporated and domicile in Bermuda and is listed on the Australian Stock exchange.

Emmanuel Makgoga, community representative:

"The community has lost respect for the law for these people are being held illegally. The state had 48 hours to charge them, and they have failed to do this. While I do not condone violence of any nature, exploring and drilling on peoples' with police support is an act of violence, and I can understand the community reaction to their brothers and sisters being imprisoned."

For more information see press information below and call:

Emmanuel Makgoga – Maandagshoek Development Community – 082 343 5095

Richard Spoor – Community Legal Representative – 083 627 1722