[UPDATE] eMbalenhle Police arrest four after protest at Murray and Roberts outside Secunda
Security guards received medical help after being assaulted by angry protesters.
UPDATE at 11.25 on 14 June
Four people were arrested in connection with the torching of Murray and Roberts yesterday, 13 June.
According to the police, three are taxi drivers and one is a member of the Govan Mbeki Community Forum.
They had in their possession firearms and 18 rounds of ammunition.
A member of the community informed the police that the taxi drivers had the firearms.
Police went to the taxi association and asked the association to call the suspects.
Const Busi Mthethwa, police spokesman, said the suspects were interrogated and told them where to find the three shotguns.
“It was revealed that a fourth shotgun was taken by the forum and was hidden in a veld.
“The K9 Unit was summoned to find the gun, but they did not find it.”
The guns were allegedly taken from the Murray and Roberts security guards yesterday.
The guards were taken to the hospital after they were assaulted.
[13:00] People who were in the midst of this morning’s ordeal at Murray & Robberts and the surrounding companies thanked those who came to their rescue.
StratconRisk and Jelani Security supported Fidelity guards when protestors stormed the businesses along the mine road leading to Charl Cilliers.
They managed to rescue about 20 people trapped inside a warehouse that was surrounded by burning offices, as well as others in another office.
Mr Jacques Alberts from StratconRisk said the police’s Flying Squad also deserves to be lauded for their work. ER24 ambulance services and Langamed South Services tended the injured.
All is quiet for now, reported Sifiso Mathebula from eMbalenhle.
[11:00] Capt Bettinah Zondo, the police spokesman, said the protesters disarmed four security guards at Murray and Roberts early.
They took four firearms and a security shield.
About eight security guards and employees were taken to the hospital.
Police are on the scene.
The crowd of protesters is now at the Risko Fakude Stadium.
[09:30] Protesters gathered again this morning at businesses in the Greenfields area outside Secunda.
The protest turned violent when the Murray and Roberts offices were set alight by unemployed youth.
Employees’ cars have been damaged by angry protesters.
Security guards are currently receiving medical help after being assaulted by the angry protesters.
According to sources, the protesters have fled the scene on foot.
The Ridge Times is on the scene.
Updates to follow.
Motorists are urged to avoid the Charlie 5 road from Secunda to Standerton.
