Residents should avoid the areas around the Middelburg Magistrates Court where scores of striking municipal employees are gathering for the first appearance of a PPP Protection and Security guard, facing two charges of murder and two of attempted murder, following Wednesday’s shootings at the municipality.

Police have not released the suspect’s identity.

Meanwhile, a cache of weapons, including shotguns and assault rifles, has been sent for ballistic testing, to ascertain if more guards will face charges.

For now, only one of the guards have been formally charges.

Residents are urged to remain alert, especially in the CBD, where police are expecting more protests following the suspect’s court appearance.

Hundreds of striking employees took to the streets yesterday, causing havoc in the CBD.