Premier Modise calls on IPID to expedite Mothutlung investigations, condemns grandstanding and political opportunism
North West Premier Thandi Modise has called on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to expedite investigations into allegations of brutality levelled against police following the death of a third person in Mothutlung near Brits.
“We are saddened by the death and wish to convey our condolences to the family that lost their loved one in this recent incident. The volatile situation demands for police and the protestors to exercise restraint to avoid further loss of lives,” emphasised Premier Modise in reiterating her call for calm.
According to police, the man identified as Lerato Seema died from head injuries after he fell from a moving police Nyala vehice while trying to evade arrest. Modise has expressed concern about irresponsible, inflammatory statements that seek to incite further violent confrontation.
“Grandstanding and political opportunism to draw political mileage out of a tragic situation should not override the need to support interventions aimed at finding a solution to the water crisis in the area. We remain confident that water would be restored by Friday as per the commitment made by the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs during our visit to the area on Tuesday,” she stressed.
Members of bereaved families and community leaders had in their engagement with Premier Modise, Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa and Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa alleged that Madibeng Local Municipality officials who benefit from water tankering service business had tampered with the water pumps hence their rejection of tankered water.
The government delegation has committed to institute investigations into the alleged sabotage that resulted in water interruptions in Mothutlung, Damonsville and part of Mmakau.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele (Spokesperson)
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
