An IFP mayor's bodyguards in Newcastle, KwaZulu Natal are under fire after they allegedly shot at protestors injuring three, during a service delivery protest on Tuesday. The protestors were allegedly shot after throwing objects, including rubbish and stones at Mayor Xolani Dube in Charlestown on Tuesday.
SERVICE DELIVERY PROTEST
The shooting took place during a community protest over the lack of water in the area in the past three weeks. It is alleged that Mayor Xolani Dube and Deputy Mayor Musa Thwala arrived at Charlestown to address angry community members but they wouldn't allow them to speak. Dube and Thwala attempted to address concerns raised by approximately 500 residents but tensions escalated, leading to community members throwing stones and objects at Dube and Thwala. The bodyguards retaliated by firing live bullets at the community members. One person suffered serious injuries to their back, while another sustained minor injuries to their arm and chest.
DISHEARTENING
KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Bongiwe Moloi Sithole said she was concerned about the unfortunate incident. "It is truly disheartening to see such incidents unfold within our communities. While it is vital for the public to voice their concerns and demand accountability from their elected officials, resorting to violence undermines the very essence of peaceful protest and jeopardises the safety and well-being of all involved," she said. Moloi further said that they acknowledge the urgency of the situation and understand the frustrations of the community. "The issue of water scarcity is a matter that should be addressed promptly and efficiently by the Newcastle Municipality. We, therefore urge the municipality to expedite the provision of water services to prevent further incidents where communities feel compelled to take matters into their own hands. Sithole-Moloi further said that they will continue to closely monitor the situation and remain committed to supporting the Newcastle Municipality in its efforts to expedite the provision of water services to the affected communities.
MUNICIPALITY AWARE OF THE SHOOTING
In a statement on Thursday, they said they were aware of an altercation that transpired during the protest action, during which several persons, including the mayor, sustained multiple injuries. "As a law-abiding citizen and leader of the community who cares about the safety of the people of Newcastle, Mayor Cllr. Xolani Dube has instructed his protection team to participate with law enforcement authorities to fast-track their investigation and to establish what transpired during this altercation," the statement read. Attempts to get a comment from Inkatha Freedom Party National Chairperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa proved fruitless as he did not answer our calls or questions sent to him.
NO ARRESTS HAVE BEEN MADE YET
KZN SAPS spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed the incident and said police in Charlestown have opened a case of attempted murder after three people sustained gunshot wounds during a service delivery protest on Tuesday afternoon. "Information at the police's disposal indicates that the local mayor was addressing the striking community members when a group of people started throwing stones at the mayor. Reports indicate that the mayor's bodyguards allegedly fired shots towards the group. A 37-year-old woman was found to have caught the bullet and was rushed to hospital. A little later, information was received that two more people had been shot and injured," Netshiunda said. Netshiunda further said that police responded to the scene and collected necessary evidence, including cartridges for further investigation. No one has been arrested at this stage.
