Ndudi Anyim
Four suspects have been arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS), in Tubatse outside Burgersfort in Limpopo Province, for a violent protest that resulted in the deaths of three persons.
It was gathered that a group of protesters from Segorong village had allegedly gone to Annesley Mine on Monday, demanding to see the Management.
The protesters allegedly overwhelmed the security officers on duty, disarmed them and during the confrontation, some shots were fired, resulting in the death of two security guards and a protester.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala, who has since condemned the act, said the suspects were between ages 31 and 42.
He said: “ Two security guards, were in the process of the violent protest shot one died on the spot, while the another guard died in the hospital, the next day. One of the protesters was also shot and taken to the local clinic where he later succumbed to injuries.
“ The Police were then called to the scene and on arrival at the Mine, the group started running in different directions. The Police managed to recover a rifle that was found abandoned in the area but the pistol is still missing. The rifle was allegedly robbed from one of the security guards. The motive for this violent protest will be determined through ongoing Police investigations.
Manala further urged investigators to hunt down the remaining suspects and bring them to book.
He stated that the arrested suspects will appear in Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court and will face charges of three counts of murder, robbery and malicious damage to property.
“ More arrests are expected. Anyone with information than can lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects should contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Patrick Rampepe on 065 835 0980, Crime Stop number 08600 10111or the nearest Police station,” he said.