In light of the brutal murder of 20-year-old Themba Khumalo from Bekkersdal, the Westonaria Local Municipality sends its deepest condolences to the friends and family of the late Khumalo and the affected community at large.
Khumalo was shot dead during an apparent drive-by shooting in the midst of the violent protest action in Bekkersdal that broke out on 24 October.
Some residents have accused a group of thugs allegedly hired by two local ANC ward councillors to intimidate protestors for his death.
According to the Westonaria Local Municipality spokesperson Kgabane Madiehe, despite the fact that Khumalo died in the midst of the protests, police have confirmed that the death of Khumalo cannot be linked to the protests.
“We acknowledge what has been going on here in Bekkersdal is not right and we are rather sad to see a life lost.
“We mourn the death of Khumalo in every way and we wish his family strength during this tough time,” says Madiehe.
Khumalo’s memorial service will be held on 31 October in Spooktown.
He will be laid to rest on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Madiehe says that the municipality expresses disappointment in the manner in which the protests were conducted.
“We as the municipality are disappointmented with the leadership of the Greater Westonaria Concerned Residents Association (GWCRA).
“It has been inciting residents through various platforms in the media to participate in activities that have resulted in the destruction of public facilities.
“These facilities have been recently renovated for the use of the entire community and that sets us back.
“Apart from that, not only do we sit with damage property, now we have innocent people injured as well as a life lost” says Madiehe.
