15 March 2006
Mpumalanga Safety and Security MEC Dina Pule calls for calm and urges
learners around KaNyamazane to respect the rule of law and allow the due legal
processes to unfold.
The police were called to rescue a teacher who was held hostage at ZB
Secondary School; the teacher had apparently been accused of witchcraft. One
student was fatally shot, two police officers were wounded and three other
students were also injured in the ensuing violence. Three police vehicles and
two properties of the Department of Education were damaged.
This morning the students marched to the circuit office and handed in a
memorandum. Some criminal elements tried to hi-jack the situation by trying to
burn the house of the teacher accused of witchcraft. They also tried to stone
police vehicles.
The ICD (Independent Complaints Directorate), which investigates cases
related to police conduct, is investigating a case of murder and three cases of
attempted murder, whilst the police are investigating cases of malicious damage
to property, intimidation and public violence.
MEC Pule assures the community of KaNyamazane and Mpumalanga that the law
will take its course and all cases related to this incident will be thoroughly
investigated in line with the norms and standards set by the African Concept,
and that necessary remedial action will be taken.
MEC Pule and Provincial Commissioner Khumalo have been saddened by this
unfortunate incident and wish to pass their heartfelt condolences to the
Ngwenya family, and wishes those injured a speedy recovery.
Enquiries please contact
Putsoa Makua
Cell: 082 822 3141
Tel: (013) 766 4031
Supt. Sbongile Nkosi
Cell: 082 556 5574
Tel: (013) 766 4027
Issued by: Department of Safety and Security, Mpumalanga Provincial
Government
15 March 2006
