Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi visited the families of two men who were killed during the recent violent water protests in Ratanda on July 5, as authorities continue to respond to both the unrest and ongoing water supply challenges in the area.

The Premier was accompanied by Lesedi Local Municipality Mayor Mluleki Nkosi and Sedibeng District Municipality Mayor Lerato Maloka during engagements with bereaved families affected by the violence.

The visit follows the deaths of Sipho Motaung, popularly known as “Chippa”, and Katleho Moloi, who were allegedly shot during protests over prolonged water outages that escalated into violence.

ALSO READ: Ratanda family demands answers after 23-year-old dies during service delivery protest

Lesufi condemned the violence, including the torching of the mayor’s house, saying criminal acts could not be justified despite ongoing frustrations over service delivery.

“We understand the frustration in communities affected by water shortages, but we cannot condone violence, destruction of property, or attacks on public officials.

“The burning of the mayor’s house is a criminal act that undermines efforts to resolve the challenges facing residents. We want to assure families that investigations into the deaths continue and that government will maintain communication as processes unfold,” he said.

ALSO READ: Lesedi mayor’s home set alight, 2 allegedly shot by police

Nkosi said that water supply has been restored in some parts of the municipality but cautioned that it may take several days before all reservoirs are fully replenished and distribution stabilises.

He urged residents to remain patient, saying water tankers will continue to be dispatched to affected communities in the meantime.

Earlier, Lesufi confirmed that Rand Water has granted Lesedi Local Municipality a two-week grace period to allow the municipality to receive its equitable share and settle outstanding debt, in a bid to prevent further disruptions in water supply.

Sipho Motaung’s relative, Thapelo Motaung, said the family remains unconvinced and is still awaiting post-mortem results before deciding on its next course of action.

“For now, the visit means nothing to me. We are waiting for feedback and only then will we decide what we do next. At this stage, I have no answers. I listened out of respect, but this matter is not over because our loved ones were human beings,” he said.

Update: 15 arrested after Ratanda unrest as Gauteng government condemns mayor’s house attack