/ 14 January 2014

North West condemns Mothotlung protester killings

North West Condemns Mothotlung Protester Killings

The killing of two protesters in Brits, said to be by police, was condemned by the province's human settlements and public safety portfolio committee on Tuesday.

"We condemn the killing of protesters in the strongest possible terms. However, we are also mindful of the fact that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate [IPID] is investigating the matter," spokesperson Namhla Luhabe said in a statement.

"We join the Brits community in mourning this tragic loss of two lives. We also send our best wishes to the two people who were injured and hope that they recover as quickly as possible." 

Residents of Mothotlung, in Brits, started protesting on Sunday afternoon about a water shortage.

The police were called to monitor them after they barricaded a road with burning tyres.

Shot
There was an altercation between protesters and the police, during which two protesters were shot dead on Monday.

Committee chairperson Mahlakeng Mahlakeng said it shared the pain, grief and despair of the families of those killed.

"You have lost your loved ones, your husbands, sons and brothers, and maybe the only breadwinner," he said.

The committee said it would urge the IPID to speed up its investigation. – Sapa