The family of 23-year-old Katleho Moloi from Obed Nkosi in Ratanda is demanding answers following his death after he was allegedly shot during a service delivery protest on July 1.

His death has become one of the most tragic outcomes of ongoing unrest in the area, where residents have been protesting over prolonged water and electricity shortages.

According to the family, Katleho had joined other community members during the protest when he was allegedly struck by rubber bullets fired by police.

He was later taken to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

His mother, Alleta Moloi, said the family is still waiting for a full explanation of what happened, and feels left in the dark about the circumstances leading to his death.

“We have not received any official report telling us exactly how our son died. What we are hearing are only pieces of information from different people, and nothing has been confirmed to us officially.

“We want answers and we want justice. Losing a child in this way is heartbreaking, and as a family we deserve to know the full truth of what happened. He was my only son, and he was very close to his sisters. He was working and renting in Ext 23 since 2024 as he was trying to build a better life for himself. As a family we are completely shattered because he had so much potential and dreams for the future,” she said.

Katleho’s father, Molato Moloi, said the family has been left traumatised by the loss and is struggling to understand conflicting accounts surrounding his death.

“When we arrived at the hospital, we were told that our son had been shot with five bullets. That is what we were told by hospital staff at the time. However, later on we were informed by the forensic team that they did not find any bullets in his body.

“These are very serious contradictions, and as a family we are confused and deeply hurt because we still do not know exactly what happened to our son. “We are devastated as a family because no parent is ever prepared to bury their child, especially under such painful and unclear circumstances. All we want is for justice to take its course and for a proper investigation to reveal the truth about what happened to Katleho,” he said.

The family said they have received support from members of the Ratanda community but are still waiting for municipal and government officials to visit or formally engage with them following the incident.

The death has intensified calls for accountability as investigations continue.

Police have confirmed that the matter is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

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