A violent protest at a mine in Tubatse outside Burgersfort in Limpopo has left three people dead and four people arrested on three counts of murder, theft, and malicious damage to property.
According to police, the protest took place at Annesley Mine on Tuesday.
Brigadier Motlafela Mojapela said it is alleged that the group of protesters from a nearby village stormed into the mining offices demanding to speak to management.
Mojapela said a confrontation ensued between two security guards and the group and after disarming the guards, shots were fired.
He said one security guard was shot and died on the scene while the other died in hospital.
One of the protesters was also shot in the crossfire and died in hospital.
Brigadier Mojapela said the police managed to recover a rifle that was found abandoned in the area, but the pistol is still missing.
The four suspects are expected to appear in court on Wednesday while police are still searching for the rest of the protesters.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala has strongly condemned this incident.
The motive for the protest will be determined through the police investigation.
