On 20 March 2024, the high court of Mahikeng granted an interim interdict against two environmental rights defenders, Oridile Kgatea and Rodney Kotsedi, at the request of the Tharisa Mine in Mahikeng, South Africa. The human rights defenders represent the Mmaditlhokwa village which is affected by dust from the mine and contamination of drinking water. The mine sought to interdict the activists from making ‘defamatory’ statements, gathering at the mine’s premises or threatening anyone connected with the mine. Despite opposition to the urgent application, on 20 March the Court granted an interim interdict against the activists.