Gold One International Limited said in a statement that a group of approximately 60 individuals, consisting of former Gold One employees who were dismissed during June 2012 for participating in an illegal strike as well as former employees of Pamodzi Gold East Rand (Pty) Limited, illegally gathered at the main entrance to Modder East on Monday.

"The group did not present any memorandum of demands, but blocked all access in and out of the mine and threw stones at vehicles.

"At approximately 7:30am, protesters prevented a minibus taxi from entering the mine and, after severely damaging the taxi, attempted to attack the occupants of the vehicle.

"Security personnel intervened and were forced to utilise rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

"The company has been informed that four people sustained minor injuries during the incident. The four individuals were admitted to hospital for examination, and were discharged shortly thereafter.

"At approximately 11:30am the South African Police Service was forced to use teargas to disperse the group, which had again become violent.

"Despite the illegal gathering and on-going intimidation of employees, the company is pleased to advise that none of its existing employees have partaken in any strike action and more than 90% of the workforce reported for duty following access to the mine being re-established.

"The High Court interdict obtained by the company on 13 June 2012, which interdicts protest at Modder East, remains in place and therefore [Monday's] protest is illegal."