The harrowing scenes that unfolded outside a municipal office in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, where four protesters were shot with live rounds by private security guards, were caught on camera.
PLEASE NOTE: The video embedded below contains scenes that depict violence, and may be harmful to sensitive audiences. Viewers’ discretion is strongly advised. Swisher Post, its parent company, partners and affiliates do not condone violence and/or bullying, and thus, shall not be held liable for any consequence that arises from the journalistic duties performed in sharing this content.
Why were Middelburg municipal workers shot?
Onlookers watched on in horror from inside the municipal building while armed guards unleashed a hail of bullets on unarmed protestors who were picketing on Wednesday.
As reported by Sowetan Live, the incident took place outside the Steve Tshwete local municipality head office.
In the video footage that surfaced on social media, a scuffle was seen escalating outside the head office.
It’s believed disgruntled Middelburg municipal workers who’d been protesting since Monday, 8 August 2022, over wages were attempting to force their way inside the building when private security officials hired by the local council, carrying semiautomatic assault rifles, released gunfire.
At least four protesters who, by the way, were unarmed, sustained gunshot wounds. One of the victims died on the spot, while the other three were rushed to a nearby medical facility for life-threatening injuries.
The violent clash claimed another life when one of the three victims later died in hospital.
Here is the video footage of the violent clash that, so far, has claimed two lives:
At this time, Middelburg police have only acknowledged the incident. However, no new updates on the investigation have surfaced, and, as far as we know, no arrests have been made.
The violent clashes outside the municipality, according to one of the workers’ leaders, came after the council announced its decision to fire at least 100 employees who were involved in the labour picket.
āHow can we go back to work? We lost two lives. How can we go to work with people walking around the building carrying guns?ā Phetha Sibanyoni exclaimed in a statement sent to Times Live.
It’s believed Middelburg municiplaty workers want a wage and salary level five increase.
This is a developing story.