Juju Valley unrest: Four more attempted murder charges opened
Violence erupted during a campaign event between the ANC and EFF, leading to a nine year old and 25-year-old sustaining gunshot wounds.
POLOKWANE – An additional four cases of attempted murder, malicious damage to property and two counts of contravention of Section 87 (1)(F) of the Electoral Act of 1998 have been added to the current opened cases relating to Sunday’s unrest in Juju Valley.
Violence erupted during a campaign event between the ANC and EFF, leading to a nine year old and 25-year-old sustaining gunshot wounds.
Read more: VIDEO: Girl shot in Juju Valley unrest
According to councillor Mafiwa Leballo, the EFF in the area was holding a football tournament.
Concurrently, the ANC Peter Mokaba Region had announced plans to hand over gazebos to branches in the ward and conduct a door-to-door campaign in Juju Valley.
Sources indicated that some community members were not welcoming to ANC campaigners during their door-todoor activity, leading to a clash where groups pelted stones at each other
Police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said the minor victim is still recuperating in hospital and that preliminary investigations indicate several other people also sustained injuries.
“No arrests have been made with regard to all these cases, but police have intensified investigations to track down and arrest the suspects,” his statement read.
Meanwhile, the provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has urged law enforcement authorities to deal decisively with violent attacks stemming from political intolerance in the province.
“Such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We will continue to monitor closely the areas identified as hotspots during the election period.”
“We deplore this senseless act of violence that has resulted in injuries to innocent individuals, including a child. The safety and security of our communities, especially during the election period, is of utmost importance. The SAPS will intensify its efforts to maintain law and order and ensure the perpetrators of this heinous act face the full might of the law,” Hadebe said.
Ledwaba said police are still appealing to anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and assist with investigations.
“Those with information can contact Lieutenant Colonel Ditjutle Molepo on 082 414 3534. Information can be reported to the nearest police station or call the SAPS Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPSApp.”
