Exxaro Resources has confirmed that it has revoked work access for an individual linked to the brutal assault of a security guard at eBuhlanti Marina Glen on 30 December 2025.
The individual, who cannot yet be named, was one of two suspects arrested after footage of the incident went viral on social media, prompting swift action from law enforcement. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
According to police, the video shows a violent confrontation in which a security guard was attacked after allegedly asking individuals to move a vehicle that was improperly parked on the road.
Exxaro distances itself from alleged suspect
Following confirmation of the arrests, Exxaro Resources released a statement saying one of the alleged suspects had been identified as an employee of one of its contractors.
The company said it does not tolerate behaviour that contradicts its values, adding that the individual’s access to Exxaro sites was immediately revoked.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that the arrests were made in connection with the viral video and that the suspects now face charges of common assault.
Exxaro Resources is aware of a circulating video depicting the recent assault of a security guard in East London.
One of the alleged suspects in the video has been identified as an employee of one of our contractors, Baagi Technology.
Exxaro Resources does not tolerate any…
— Exxaro (@ExxaroResources) January 1, 2026
Viral video sparks outrage and rapid arrests
The footage, widely shared across X, Facebook and WhatsApp, triggered public outrage and led to police quickly tracking down the suspects. Many South Africans praised the speed of the arrests, viewing them as a rare example of accountability following viral crime footage.
South Africans divided over Exxaro’s decision
While the arrests were broadly welcomed, Exxaro’s decision to revoke work access has sharply divided public opinion.
Some praised the company for upholding its code of conduct and setting an example:
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@MoloiNoks said it was “refreshing to see a company that still values adherence to its Code of Conduct in a country marred by corruption and criminality.”
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@SelBoyT welcomed the arrests, saying, “2026, let’s clean our country by ourselves.”
Others argued the company overstepped by acting before the courts had ruled:
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@b_dikela questioned corporate involvement, asking whether employers should act before a court judgment.
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@Wabz2040 warned against pressure-driven decisions, saying dismissal should only follow a guilty verdict.
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@iamziyar accused Exxaro of punishing an employee for actions taken in his private life, calling it an abuse of employer power.
Meanwhile, some social media users shifted focus to the victim:
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@nomadandinlove urged Exxaro to offer the assaulted guard employment, saying companies should “do better.”
Debate highlights tension between accountability and due process
The case has reignited a broader national debate around corporate ethics, employee rights, and the presumption of innocence, particularly when alleged criminal conduct occurs outside the workplace but damages a company’s public image.
As the matter moves to court, attention will remain firmly on both the legal outcome and how South African companies balance values-based decision-making with labour law and due process.
