KOCU Wants Speedy Investigation

-Over Alleged Vandalism At MNG Gold Company

By Esau J. Farr

The leadership of the Kokoyah Citizens Union (KOCU) has frowned at what it described as unnecessary delays in keeping people suspected of vandalizing the facilities of the Turkish mining company, MNG Gold in Kokoyah, Bong County.

KOCU through a press statement said while it condemns the acts of violence, it does not also support the over detention of people who are innocent of crimes they are alleged of committing.

The union’s statement comes amidst the over stay of people arrested in connection with the recent vandalism that took place at the operation site of MNG Gold Company in Kokoyah, Bong County beyond the statutory period of 48 hours (two days).

The release quotes the leadership of KOCU as saying, “There were people we believe who were arrested who are currently behind bars and are not being investigated despite spending more than two days. It is bonding on both the government and the company to try and prove all allegations levied against our citizens and it is our fervent hope that when tried, some will be vindicated”.

According to KOCU, her investigation has revealed that the surveillance camera of MNG Gold is reported to have captured at least three hundred faces believed to have broken into the premises of the company, but as of last weekend, only three persons were identified amongst those initially arrested to have been captured by the company’s camera.

It is from said background that the district-based mother organization within the operation site of the company is demanding the speedy trial of people alleged of being a part of the vandalism of the company’s facilities.

Initially, there were fifty-five persons who were reported to have been arrested by security forces following the day of the alleged vandalism which was triggered as a result of the reported killing of four persons by a pickup believed to have been contracted by the MNG Gold Company on the Sayeweh Town Road.

Over the past years, the company is reported not to be on good term with inhabitants in the mining site and its environs and citizens of Kokoyah ranging from several reported harmful and unfavorable treatments melted out against them (citizens) by MNG Gold.

There have been complaints of chemical spill-over resulting to water pollution, vomiting and bloody-cough as well as security personnel keeping guard brutalizing people suspected of illegally taking rocks believed to contain gold contents belonging to the company all of which the company has denied.

The number of people who are now known to be arrested in connection with the violence saga at MNG Gold mining site are reported to be at least 91.