Staff Reporter.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has confirmed an investigation into the deaths of two people during this week’s violent protests on the N4 in Mpumalanga.
According to the Directorate, a 13-year-old boy was fatally shot on the head with live ammunition, while a 25-year-old male was also fatally shot with what appeared to be pellets.
The incident, which occurred in Vosman outside Emalahleni, is said to have happened around 10am on Friday during the ongoing protests over electricity.
“Ipid is investigating two deaths, one for a 13-year-old male and a 25-year-old that were fatally shot allegedly by the police,” says Ipid spokesperson Robbie Raburabu.
“The circumstances around the deaths of those two people.”
The police are not allowed to use live ammunition in protest.
The N4 main route between Gauteng and Mpumalanga was blocked in both directions for a large part of the week by the protesters.
The communities in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, took to the streets demanding electricity to be restored after their transformer was impaired.
As the protests showed no signs of abating, the executive mayor of Emalahleni Local Municipality, Councillor Conny Nkalitshana, along with other officials, were physically attacked and stoned by disgruntled protesters during a meeting.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.