Two security guards killed following protest at mine outside Burgersfort
One of the protesters was also shot and taken to the local clinic where he later succumbed to his injuries
LIMPOPO – Three people were killed during a violent protest at a mine outside Burgersfort on Monday, 15 March.
Two of the deceased are security guards who worked at the mine, according to a statement by Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo.
“A group of protesters from Segorong village went to the said mine and on arrival, demanded to see the management. They then allegedly overwhelmed the security officers on duty, disarmed them and during the confrontation, shots were fired. The windows of the guardroom were also smashed,” Mojapelo explained.
The guards were shot in the confrontation and one of them died on the scene.
“The other guard died in hospital on Tuesday morning, 16 March. One of the protesters was also shot and taken to the local clinic where he later succumbed to his injuries,” Mojapelo added.
Tubatse police officers were called in and managed to recover a rifle that was found abandoned.
“A pistol that was used in the shooting is still missing. The rifle was reportedly robbed from one of the guards. The motive for this violent protest will be determined by the unfolding police investigations,” Mojapelo said.
He added that four suspects, between the ages of 31 and 42, have been arrested. They are expected to appear in the Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court, today, to face charges of three counts of murder, robbery and malicious damage to property.
“More arrests are expected and anyone with information than can lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects should contact the investigating officer, Det Sergt Patrick Rampepe at 065 835 0980, the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or their nearest police station,” Mojapelo concluded.
