DA national spokesperson Mmusi Maimane visited the Durban Deep community on the late afternoon of 23 January following the shooting and killing of protester Tshepo Babuseng by a member of the SAPS.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to family and friends of Durban Deep resident and DA Member, Tshepo Babuseng who was shot and killed by police today,” said Maimane.
“I demand to know who authorised the use of live ammunition at the protest, the result of which was a tragic loss of life.
“Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega must tell the public who gave the order to shoot at Durban Deep residents. Who has the blood of Tshepo Babuseng on their hands? We want that person dealt with immediately by the authorities,” demanded Maimane.
“Family members I spoke to told me Tshepo’s parents who live in Taung in the North West are mortified to hear news that their son is no longer with us. We demand justice and nothing less. This afternoon during my visit to Durban Deep on the community’s invitation, residents told me that they have been treated “like animals” by the Gauteng government.
“It is clear that the very real concerns of this community have fallen on deaf ears. Their various appeals for secure housing and basic services have been ignored. This is a community that needs change; not fear of being shot dead in the streets over basic services they don’t have.
“We cannot allow communities such as these to be forgotten. Each resident of Durban Deep must be part of a new future for our province and our country; one in which there will be no need for Tshepo Babuseng or any other resident to lose their life for the sake of change,” concluded an impassioned Maimane.
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