An attempt to evict illegal squatters resulted in violent protest on Wednesday at Rus Ter Vaal in Vereeniging. 

Two people have been confirmed dead, according to SAPS spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo.

Three others have been taken to hospital.

A member of the Red Ants, a security agency which is called in to handle evictions, is one of the people killed, according to the Crime Air Network.

Masondo said the Red Ants and the Sheriff of the Court were acting on a court order to remove shacks which were illegally erected.

“It is alleged, as the Red Ants were demolishing the shacks, a fight broke out with members of the community,” he said.

Murder and attempted murder cases have been opened.

This is a developing story.