An investigation into the shooting and killing of Durban Deep protester Tshepo Babuseng (29) has lead to the arrest of four policemen.
“After receiving the initial factual report on the incident it was decided that there is enough evidence to arrest and charge the member who fired the shots for murder and defeating the ends of justice, as well as his three colleagues for defeating the ends of justice,” says Brigadier Neville Malila.
The men were arrested in the early morning hours of 24 January and their ages range between 33 and 49.
They will appear in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court soon.
Police allegedly shoot and kill Durban Deep protester — 23 January
Randfontein Road (R41) had to be closed on 23 January after protesters from Durban Deep blockaded the road with rocks, burning logs and burning tyres.
The protesters took to the streets at approximately 6am to display their dismay at the property company that bought the property they reside on. The company allegedly wants to evict them and without providing them with alternative housing, has started demolishing houses and property in order to develop the site.
As the protest gathered momentum one of the protesters, a 29-year-old male (name known to the Record) was shot. He was taken to hospital in a private vehicle but passed away.
Various eyewitnesses claim that he was shot by a plainclothes policeman.
One elderly protester who wanted to stay anonymous described the incident as follows.
“We were standing peacefully at the side of the road, singing and dancing while the tyres burned. Two marked police vehicles came from the direction of the community, escorting residents who were on their way to work. When they reached the exit one occupant of the police vehicle in private clothes opened fire on a young man standing at the roadside.”
Other bystanders confirmed his account.
The deceased’s roommate and friend, Johnson Loabile, told the Record his version of what happened.
“I was standing across the road among other protesters when the police vehicles came. Suddenly one of the policemen started firing shots. Five in total. One hit my friend in the stomach and we rushed him to hospital but he passed away.”
Loabile also claimed that they have the spent cartridges from the bullets that were fired as well as cellphone video material that can identify the vehicles and probably the gunman.
Community leader Anthony Makana told the Record that they either will negotiate or fight, but they will not stop their protest until alternative housing is supplied.
More riots erupt, motorists warned — 8am
The service delivery protests that have paralyzed the West Rand and the rest of the country once again has erupted today 23 January in the Durban Deep area.
The protesters allegedly are intimidating motorists at the traffic circle at the entrance to the Durban Deep community on Albertina Sisulu Road.
According to JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minnaar it is uncertain whether residents of Durban Deep or Matholesville are protesting.
JMPD is redirecting traffic and motorists are warned sternly by Minnaar to avoid the area.
