The employees, who asked for anonymity, said they downed tools yesterday due to employment disputes with their employer, Plantcor Mining and Plant Hire.

They told the Middelburg Observer that armed security personnel were dispatched to the mine today, where the workers were picketing.

The workers said they feared for their lives as they were not conducting a violent protest.

• The Middelburg Observer reached out to Plantcor Mining and Plant Hire for comment on the matter and was told that the director of the organisation would get back to the paper.

A comment was not given before publication.

• Should a response from Plantcor Mining be received, it will be published on the Middelburg Observer website.