A service delivery protest that turned violent and continued for several days, has claimed the life of three people. The youngest of the victims was allegedly shot when he was caught in the crossfire between police and protesters while a second victim was fatally injured in an accident and the cause of death of the third victim has not been made public.

On May 9, demonstrators took to the streets of Vosman outside eMalahleni, to vent their wrath, blocking critical routes such as the N4 and torching tires. They were unhappy about ongoing electricity supply issues experienced in the area.

Police were sent in to disperse the crowd, but tensions quickly escalated, ending in violent clashes.

On Wednesday, May 10, thirteen-year-old Philasande Yende, the deputy head boy at Robert Carruthers Primary School, was allegedly caught in the crossfire between demonstrators and police.

During this confrontation, a stray bullet seemingly hit the youngster. He was rushed to the nearest hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Another victim who lost his life during the protest is believed to be a soccer player from the School of Excellence, whose identity could not be confirmed.

A third victim was a motorist involved in a fatal accident. According to information he was travelling on the N4 and allegedly tried to make a U-turn to flee the protesters when his vehicle collided with a burning truck.

The circumstances of both these incidents are yet to be confirmed.

Several people were also injured since the beginning of the protest.

The Yende family have voiced their tremendous grief over the horrific occurrence, demanding justice and accountability for those responsible.