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21 Dec 2019 | 09:47 AM UTC

South Africa: Security contractor killed west of Johannesburg December 20

Private security contractor killed at Harmony Gold plant west of Johannesburg December 20; similar incidents possible over the near term

Warning

Event

A private security personnel has been fatally wounded in an armed attack at the Harmony's Kalgold plant, 330 km (205 mi) west of Johannesburg on Friday, December 20. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating the incident.

Similar incidents are expected over the near term.

Context

High gold prices are making processing plants a target for criminals in South Africa, leading to a spate of armed robberies at mining operations. It is the ninth significant attack on the gold industry in 2019, with two of those attacks resulting in the death of contractors.

Advice

Individuals present in the area are advised to keep abreast of the situation and remain vigilant.