It is alleged the man - whose identity has not yet been made known - was shot by a policeman in the stomach. In response to the allegation, police spokesperson Motantsi Makhele told OFM News that details surrounding the incident are sketchy at present and he cannot confirm whether any police officers were involved in the incident. He says the case has been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation. 

“The information we got is that he was shot in the stomach, but the only people who were there with ammunition or firearms are the police. IPID will investigate the matter further,” says Makhele.

Meanwhile, close to forty people have been arrested in the protest so far. According to Makhele, the people have been arrested on various charges which include, public violence and possession of stolen property, among others. He says the stolen property is believed to have been looted out of local shops during the protests.

The incident comes after OFM News reported on Tuesday that schools and businesses in Phuthaditjaba in Qwaqwa had been closed due to protests. Makhele says the situation in the area is calm but tense. Police have been deployed and will be monitoring the area.

OFM News