News24 reports that a violent protest on Monday at the Annesley Mine in Tubatse outside Burgersfort has left three people, two of whom were mine security guards, dead.

Four people have been arrested and were scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday on charges of murder, robbery and malicious damage to property. More arrests are expected. Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo reported: "A group of protesters from Segorong village allegedly went to the said mine at about 10:15 and on arrival they demanded to see the management. They then allegedly overwhelmed the security officers on duty, disarmed them and during the confrontation some shots were fired. The windows of the guardroom were also smashed." The two security guards were shot in the altercation. One died on the scene and the other died in hospital on Tuesday. One of the protesters was also shot and succumbed to his wounds at the local clinic. Police officers recovered a rifle allegedly stolen from one of the security guards, but are still searching for the pistol used in the murders. "The motive for this violent protest will be determined by the unfolding police investigations," Mojapelo indicated.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nicole McCain at News24

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page