Mookgophong protest: 1 dead and 22 arrested
One man died after being shot during service delivery protests in Mookgophong yesterday (Monday), while 22 people were arrested for public violence and malicious damage to property
LIMPOPO – Protests action erupted in the town, with residents calling for the resignation of the mayor, Sarah Monyamane.
“Several streets were blocked and four structures set alight; one of them was a house belonging to the mayor’s husband, while others belonged to councillors accused of being loyal to the municipality,” said provincial police spokesperson, Col Ronel Otto.
She said police officers were also attacked with petrol bombs, which were thrown at a nyala vehicle. No injuries were reported.
It was later reported that a man died of a bullet wound in a local clinic.
According to the report, he was taken to the clinic by the community, however, it is not certain where he was shot or who shot him.
“The IPID is investigating this incident. The 22 people who were were arrested will appear in court today or tomorrow.”
The situation is currently calm but tense, with only a few roads in the townships blocked. Public order police have been deployed to the scene, she said.
Spokesperson for the Mookgophong Municipality, Naththaly Tlhoaela, told Bosveld: “we appeal to the upset community to hand in a memorandum with their grievances so that we can address the situation properly. The mayor is ready to accept the memorandum and to address the problems”.
“Some of the offices at the municipality are open and the situation has calmed down. We will observe and see if it is safe for children in the township to return to school tomorrow.”
