One dead, mayor’s homes set alight

ANGER persisted in the streets of Mookgophong in Limpopo yesterday following the death of a resident who was allegedly shot and killed by the owner of a security company.

Residents have been engaged in violent protests since last week, demanding mayor Sarah Monyamane to step down amid complaints of poor service delivery and maladministration.

Protests intensified on Monday after Ben Matlou was shot and killed, resulting in the burning of properties including three houses belonging to Monyamane, her mother and her brother.

Colonel Ronel Otto of Limpopo police said people went on the rampage, looting foreign-owned shops and 22 people were arrested on charges of public violence.

A police nyala was also torched as schools remained closed.

Yesterday, a group of residents gathered outside the Matlou family, where younger brother Marcus Matlou said: “The family is very sad about what happened. We are all surprised because we do not know whether the people who killed my brother were police or not.”

He said his brother was shot twice in the back not far from their home. He was home when a neighbour came to inform him that Ben had been shot.

“We tried to save him but he died on the way to the health centre. We want police to find and arrest the people who did this.”

Community leader Mahlomola Mathe said the situation was tense.

“As long as they have killed one of our own we will not stop until the mayor steps down,” Mathe said.

Monyamane said her children fled the scene after her home was torched on Monday.

She said: “They must give me reasons in writing why they want me to step down. I have [never] received a memorandum ...”

Monyamane said she had no intention of relocating despite the attacks and hoped for an amicable solution to be found.