BOTHASHOEK- 19 protesting villagers had been arrested by Tubatse police and seven sustained injuries after they were allegedly shot by the police.
Residents from Khalanyoni, Riverside and Takaneng embarked on a strike that started on November 25, among their demands is that the local Cllr Joel Hlatswayo resigns, they also need electricity and water.
The angry residents blockaded the main road leading to Burgersfort from Praktiseer with burning tyres and stones yesterday, November 26 and early this morning.
Bongani “Tamities” Ngele, ward (20) committee member said the police used live ammunitions against the protesters.
“There was an old man who was shot on his leg, he sustained serious injuries. We have cartridges of live ammunitions that will serve as proof that they wanted to kill the protesters.”
Ngele said talks between them and the cops failed as they wanted the arrested people to be released.
“We will continue with the protest, some of the arrested people are mothers who left their young kids, they have to be released,” he said.
Spokesperson of Tubatse police const Sello Movundlela denied the allegations that the police used live ammunitions, “we used rubber bullets as they were violent not live ammunition. I can confirm we arrested 19 of them and we have not charged them yet,” he said.
Spokesperson of Greater Tubatse Municipality (GTM) Mr Thabiso Mokoena said they held talks with the community and their surveyors, he promised the area was going to be electrified.
“The steering committee will be visiting the area today (November 27); poles will be delivered in the coming weeks. It’s not only Bothashoek that will get power, some parts of Praktiseer will also be electrified,” he said.
Meanwhile Mashamothane residents also blocked the R37 with stones and tyres demanding electricity. At this juncture, police are monitoring the situation.
