Free State police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli said farmworkers were busy with their tasks on Thursday (12/12) when they heard gunshots and discovered that July Pakiso Dlamini (59)  had been shot in the hip. He was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Kareli said preliminary investigations led to the arrest of the suspect (18) who has been charged with attempted murder. The firearm allegedly used in the incident was confiscated. The suspect is set to appear in the Sasolburg Magistrate's Court on Tuesday (17/12).

‘We condemn any form of abuse of older persons’

The Department of Social Development expressed its dismay, highlighting the shocking nature of the crime, particularly in light of South Africa’s Older Persons Act of 2006, which aims to protect and uphold the rights and dignity of older citizens.

“It is deeply concerning that Dlamini, an elderly individual, was allegedly mistaken for a dog and shot. We condemn any form of abuse of older persons,” said Free State Social Development spokesperson Thembile Nqabeni.

Nqabeni announced plans to send departmental officials and social workers to provide psycho-social support to the victim and his family.

The Free State Older Persons Forum Chairperson, Joyce Mohlamme, called on the South African Human Rights Commission to investigate allegations of racism linked to the incident.

Meanwhile, the ANC in the Fezile Dabi region also alleged racial motivations behind the shooting. Regional ANC spokesperson Sello Peterson criticised the act, noting Dlamini was attending to his livestock on government-provided commonage land when the shooting occurred. 

Peterson also pointed out the proximity of the incident to two initiation schools, calling it a disregard for cultural and traditional spaces. “This was a racially motivated act. We are appalled by the blatant disregard for human life and tradition.”  

Department of Social Development and the ANC in Fezile Dabi have promised to assist his family during this challenging time.

OFM News /Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg