Community mediation services have long been recognized in playing a key role in helping residents of cities and towns learn strategies so that they have lives that are as peaceful and pleasant as possible.  Now, the city of Hangberg in the African nation of South Africa is one of the latest places to adopt this strategy for promoting harmony in its local area.

A year ago, the "Battle of Hangberg," which centered on the issue of an armed eviction, caused serious injuries to three Hangberg residents.  Each of the three lost an eye.

Community Mediation Services to Heal the Breach

The armed eviction and resulting injuries caused considerable discord in the city, with residents feeling that police officers were overly aggressive.  The resulting battle involved hundreds of residents who used gasoline bombs and rocks to fight with police forces, who used tear gas and rubber bullets in return.

Now, the city has established an agreement to provide more services and housing to local residents.  The accord included personal injury mediation, with two of the injured residents expressing approval of the agreement.  The third man who lost an eye has not been reached for comment.

The mayor of Hangberg, Patricia de Lille expressed confidence in the agreement.  “We come here today in the name of peace.  We come here today in the name of healing.  We come here today in the name of hope.”