North West Premier Thandi Modise has appealed for calm after a teenager was allegedly shot dead by a tavern owner during violent protest in Christina near Bloemhof on Wednesday afternoon.
It is alleged that the 14 year old boy was part of a rioting mob that was approaching the tavern owner’s premises with the view to loot after several shops were looted and a community hall torched in the area.
“We are saddened that the life of a person so young was cut short under such unfortunate circumstances and wish to convey our condolence to the family that lost their loved one. Though the death opens fresh wounds of loss of lives we have experienced during violent protests in our province, we are appealing for calm,” Premier Modise said.
“Everything has to be done to normalise the situation, prevent destruction of private & public properties and loss of lives,” appealed Modise who is scheduled to lead a Provincial Executive Council (Exco) intervention task team visit for an engagement with protestors in Boitumelong Township near Bloemhof in the afternoon.
The tavern owner is reportedly in police custody.
Lekwa-Teemane municipal office, community halls in Boitumelong and Coverdale Townships, five houses belonging to the Mayor, two councilors and two officials and several businesses were torched since violence erupted on in the past week in the area.
Despite engagement with several engagements with the provincial government and a commitment to investigate allegations of corruption and nepotism leveled against Lekwa Teemane Local Municipality, violence has not abated as protestors are adamant that the embattled municipality should be dissolved.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
