“Community projects include poultry project; building of classrooms at Shishila primary school; water reticulation, supplying of building materials to Meeling primary school and various other school projects and sponsorships; provision of medical services to the community, establishment of pre-school for over 40 children; establishment and maintenance of village roads and SMD has commenced a project to build 175 toilets in the Kao village,” Mr Mundell stated. Refuting further TRC allegations, the SMD said the NGO was peddling cheap sensationalism “by spreading false news and presenting news as fact based where in reality it has no basis in fact except to provoke conflict, pitting stakeholders against each other, and jeopardising social cohesion and important stakeholder relationships.”

Regarding the accusation of police brutality, which TRC alleged it was committed in collaboration with the miner, SMD said 2018 has been marked by incidents of violence and unrest at Kao. Certain community members unlawfully blocked roads, intimidated and threatened SMD employees and managers, sabotaged the mining operations, intentionally damaged property. According to the SMD the presence of police in the Kao area is important for diamond security, peace and security in general, and is beneficial for the greater community.

The SMD has denied that it is non-compliant with Lesotho laws as alleged by the TRC. It also denies that its activities damage property on daily basis and that it repairs damages selectively. SMD cannot deny that its activities affect the community, says the miner, arguing that “it is unfortunately in the nature of mining to affect the local communities and this fact has been documented at mines all over the world. However, SMD has policies and procedures governing community issues and it acts in accordance with these. These policies and procedures are based on legal requirements, and where there are no legal standards in Lesotho, on international best practice.”

Regarding the flooding of houses in February, SMD said it was as a result of run-off from mountainside after excessive rain but not pollution spill, and therefore was not formally reported although eh department of environment came to do an inspection and was satisfied with the SMD report. Regarding the allegation of air pollution and daily dust fallout as high as 26,400mg/m2 in 2016, SMD said while there was recorded dust fallout, it was a result of high winds causing very large particles to blow into the dust buckets monitoring the dust fallout, resulting in skewed figures.

According to the letter signed by Samson Leoli on behalf of the Kao, Tipping community dated September 23, the community expressed that they “are not against resettlement but the manner in which it is conducted. We therefore need negotiations to recommence.” Mr Leoli, who signed himself as the secretary of the community, wrote: “The community further express shock that the mine came on its own to take a decision on our property without Sechaba Consultants, the area chief and the department of environment. We demand all stakeholders to be involved, including TRC.”

SMD said it is conducting the resettlement of the Tipping residents in line with all relevant laws and best practice. It said the community members have been widely consulted and have participated in the decision-making processes. “The department of environment is satisfied that this is done as it has very recently granted the environmental authorisation to proceed with the construction of the resettlement village subject to certain conditions. It is not clear why the TRC would want to derail this sensitive but inevitable process. Again, rather than first engage in a dialogue on real issues that community members may have, the TRC rather makes vague, unsubstantiated and unconvincing comments,” blasted Mr Mundell.