A security guard, identified as Nqubeko Mchunu, appeared in court in Middelburg on two charges of murder and two of attempted murder on Friday.

He was remanded in custody after being arrested on Thursday. This comes as chaos erupted in Middelburg after a protest by municipal workers ended in bloodshed when several people were shot on Wednesday, allegedly by a security guard.

Mchunu will appear in court again on August 30 for a formal bail application.

On Friday crowds of striking municipal employees were still protesting in front of the court buildings.

Middelburg has been marred by illegal protest action by municipal employees since last year. One of their initial demands was the resignation of then municipal manager, Advocate Bheki Khenisa.

During the previous strike action, there were several incidents of sabotage and intimidation, with contractors having to be escorted by security companies after their vehicle’s windows were smashed, and tyres slashed.

Municipal vehicles were also set alight.

The most recent protest action, currently in its third week, saw the municipality issue a warning that those who do not return to work, will be dismissed. Disciplinary action has been instigated against 39 employees while 12 are already suspended.

On Sunday, Middelburg mayor, Mhlonishwa Masilela’s elderly mother’s house in Mhluzi was targeted with tyres being burned in front of her property. Maslilela claims that six municipal workers have been identified as being part of the group responsible, and that their arrests are imminent.