NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has called for calm following incidents of violent protests at Vosman near Witbank. One person was shot and taken to hospital and succumbed to injuries sustaned on yesterday, Monday 07 November 2022. Circumstances regarding the shooting of the 50-year-old woman are being investigated while investigations are also underway looking into the allegations that the victim as well as two others reportedly sustained some injuries, were shot by a member or members of the police.

The Police are on high alert since the violence erupted and became worse yesterday. Police units have heightened visibility, to monitor the situation in the area following the protests which also affected services.

A preliminary report indicates that the incident follows power blackouts which were experienced in the area for the past weeks. All entrances and exits roads were reportedly barricaded with stones and burning tyres. Members from Public Order Police as well as other members of the police are working in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that the situation is normalized.

Last night, the situation was tense whereby protestors in KwaGuqa Extension reportedly turned violent with reports of looting and torching of the Pick ‘n Pay Shopping Centre in Extension 5. A strong police presence is maintained in the area and motorists are urged to drive with caution along the N4 Road near KG Mall as well as other roads nearby. The N4 road was cleared after being blockaded last night. A case of public violence has been opened. Two people were arrested so far.

Source: South African Police Service