The Landless People's Movement has labelled charges against Namdeb's employee, Guame Stephanus, a witch hunt.

Stephanus also serves as an LPM representative on the Oranjemund Town Council.

Stephanus faces charges of putting the company's name in disrepute.

This reportedly follows his opinion piece that reads, 'There are diamonds, and the people are still poor, and green hydrogen cannot come, and the people are still poor".

During their demonstration, protestors demanded that disciplinary charges against Stephanus be withdrawn.

The group spokesperson, Melody Swartbooi, says the charges infringe on Stephanus' fundamental rights.

"We come forth that the charges of Hon. Guame Stephanus be cleared, as they bear no substance or facts. The court of arbitration will prove that if the courts practice the principles of natural justice."

They also claimed unfair recruitment, tax evasion, and the outsourcing of mining operations, which its permanent employees could have conducted. 

Namdeb Corporate Affairs Manager Shangelao Ndadi confirmed receipt of the petition; however, he said all employment matters are dealt with within the ambit of internal business policies.

Ndadi, however, denied accusations levelled against the company, adding that its rights remain.

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Luqman Cloete