Mothutlung: 4 deaths on water violence likely to take toll
JOHANNESBURG – The death toll has risen to four. Water violence near Brits continues to escalate. More violence seems likely as tensions mount.
People in Mothutlung are protesting water accessibility. Law enforcement agencies have responded with force. Police and protesters have developed a furious feud. The water crisis turned violent in 2014.
The latest death occurred early Monday morning. According to sources, the victim was 36 years old. He was shot in the head during a clash. Police were involved in the confrontation.
Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital. Doctors performed a lengthy operation to remove the bullet. The victim stayed in a coma afterward. Finally, he passed away.
Three others already lost their lives in Mothutlung. They have been buried.
Believe it or not, Mothutlung lacks water facilities. The area has been deprived for three months. Government officials turned a deaf ear to complaints. This triggered the dispute.
The SA Human Rights Commission has stepped in. SAHRC has begun probing the deaths. They want to find the actual reasons. They will decide who stands culprit.
Isaac Mangena spoke to The South Africa News. Mineworker Osia Rahube was killed by gunshot. Photographer Bra Mike also died during the protest. Allegedly, police fired the shots.
Mangena made a strong statement. “It is condemnable,” he said. Police top management trashed SAHRC suggestions. This happened after their 2012 probe.
That investigation concerned Ficksburg activist Andries Tatane. He died in 2012 during a similar protest. Water shortages triggered that service delivery protest too.
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