By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA Police Service in North West have confirmed nine people lost their lives last night in Popo Molefe Informal Settlement in Boitekong outside Rustenburg.
The victims are five men and four women.
Police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone says the motive behind the shooting is unknown.
“According to information available at this stage, a group of mainly Xhosa speaking individuals were sitting in a yard drinking liquor when an unconfirmed number of Sesotho speaking suspects opened fire on them.”
“As a result, eight people died instantly while the ninth one was certified dead-on arrival at the hospital. Moreover, eight persons were reported to be injured”.
Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Sello Kwena has established a dedicated team to investigate the killings.
“The provincial commissioner strongly condemns this horrific and pointless incident and indicated that the police will work around the clock to ensure that justice is served. He also urged the community to remain calm and allow the police to do the investigations,” Mokgwabone said.
Meanwhile North West Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape has condemned the fatal shooting at the informal settlement.
“We are extremely shocked and outraged at the mass killing of nine people at Popo Molefe informal settlement. We condemn the shooting of these people and send our condolences to the families, relatives and friends of victims of this hideous crime. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish those injured a speedy recovery,” said Maape.
Maape has since applauded the police for moving with speed in assembling a team of experienced and skilled officers to investigate the matter.
“I have all the confidence that the SAPS, under the stewardship of General Sello Kwena, will do everything in their power to follow all leads in investigating this matter. The perpetrators of these repugnant acts must be brought to book,” the Premier said.