ANC's bullets in Bekkersdal must be probed

The DA calls on Premier Nomvula Mokonyane to launch an inquiry into live ammunition fired at protesting Bekkersdal residents by an ANC delegation's bodyguards (see Citizen report).

The Star newspaper reports this morning that the ANC delegation included Eric Xayiya, Ntombi Mekgwe, Brian Hlongwa and Mpho Nawa. Photos show an ANC bodyguard with gun drawn facing down fearful residents.

This is not the first incident of live ammunition usage on protesting residents. The family of slain Sebokeng protestor, Lerato Rabolila, told me how shots fired from a group of ANC members had resulted in the death of their son during a protest there. I also recently attended the memorial service of Tshepho Babuseng who was shot dead by police in Durban Deep Informal settlement.

As protests break out daily in Gauteng it seems we are now living under the rule of bullets. 

Government and the police cannot be seen to condone the use of live ammunition on protestors under any circumstances. 

Premier Mokonyane must act without delay to establish an inquiry that will lead to the facts around yesterday's use of live ammunition in Bekkersdal.  

Statement issued by Mmusi Maimane, DA Gauteng Premier Candidate, March 14 2014

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