North West Premier Thandi Modise appeals for calm following fatal shooting of protestors
14 Jan 2014
North West Premier Thandi Modise has appealed for calm and constructive engagement following the alleged fatal shooting of two protestors during a service delivery protest near Damonsville outside Brits on Monday.
"We are saddened by the loss of lives which unconfirmed reports suggest might have risen to four and wish to convey our condolences to the families that lost their loved ones and also wish those injured a speedy recovery. We appeal to those with information surrounding the clash between the protestors and the police and the shooting to assist the independent police investigative directorate in their investigation," said Premier Modise.
Spokesperson for Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), Moses Dlhamini confirmed that a murder docket has been opened and that an investigation was underway. Dlhamini said that a post mortem examination of the two bodies would be conducted on Tuesday
Police had earlier said that two protesters were shot dead and two were wounded during a service delivery protest. Colonel Sabata Mokgobone said that police were called to monitor protesters after they barricaded a road with burning tyres. Residents of Mothotlung, Damonville and part of Mmakau had been without water for a week due to a busted pipe.
Executive Mayor of Madibeng Local Municipality Councillor Poppy Magongwa who visited the injured in hospital while members of her mayoral committee visited the bereaved families said that residents were unhappy with tankering and were on route marching to the municipal offices in Brits when the confrontation with police occurred.
Magongwa is confident that water supply to the affected areas will be restored within the next few days as the ordered part still has to be manufactured as it is not readily available.
"Our hard won democracy guarantees people the right to peaceful protest. While we sympathise with the need for our communities to voice their frustrations and dissatisfaction with service delivery, we wish to appeal that such protests be in accordance with the public gatherings act to avoid unnecessary confrontations and loss of lives," underscored Premier Modise.
The Premier said it was unfortunate that the shooting occurred on the eve of a crucial meeting between herself and the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, MEC's, Mayors, Councillors and Municipal Managers to be held at the Rustenburg Civic Centre to explore solutions to challenges of water provision, water losses, water resource management and beneficial use of water which has been worsened by the drought that hit most parts of the province.
The meeting is primarily aimed at ensuring that everyone has access to water and that growth and development targets are met.
Statement issued by Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson, North West Office of the Premier, January 14 2014
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