Political parties call on law enforcement to investigate details into funeral stray bullets.
The African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA) have called on the police to apprehend those responsible for the stray bullets that struck a Westdene senior citizen and a Montgomery Park home. The live ammunition is suspected to have been fired at the funeral of the now-disbanded Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) president, Kebby Maphatsoe, at West Park Cemetery.
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According to the Sophiatown police, cases of attempted murder and malicious damage to property were opened, following the discharge of firearms at the gravesite on September 5.
DA Constituency head James Lorimer stated, “The sheer irresponsibility of firing multiple live rounds into the air in densely settled areas is difficult to believe. The fact that it was at the funeral of a one-time senior member of the ANC government speaks volumes about the type of organisation the ANC has become.”
He added that those police officers, who were present at the funeral but turned a blind eye to ‘such reckless behaviour’, should face the necessary consequences, including retracting their senior rank.
The ANC has also condemned the discharging of firearms in densely populated residential areas and stated that the criminal act must be investigated and those responsible apprehended.
ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte stated, “That is a criminal offence, to fire a firearm in a built-up area anywhere is a criminal offence. Our understanding is that the authorities are taking action and really, we hope that they do take firm and decisive action, it’s wrong. It is not a mark of respect to shoot a gun into the air and you don’t know where that bullet is going to land and history is bookmarked with the deaths of people who have been killed because of a stray bullet.”
She added that this particular act is ‘synonymous with many township funerals’ but still held that it is not right and should be shunned upon by ANC members.
Sophiatown police have confirmed that a case, and investigation into the matter, has been opened and have followed up with the victims of the stray bullet.
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