COSATU Free State calls for the immediate arrest of the racists who doused a homeless black man with petrol and set him alight in Bothaville

26 January 2023

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Free State has learned with shock that the three racist white men Bothaville, who set a homeless black man alight have still not been arrested despite the perpetrators being known to the police.

This is dereliction of duty, and we demand an explanation from the SAPS senior management. The Free State Province is fast becoming a hotbed of racism and innocent black people are facing an onslaught from racists who for some reason feel emboldened.

What is shocking is that the alleged perpetrators are continuing to visit homeless individuals during the night and threatening them.

We have checked at the police station and have ascertained ourselves that a case with a reference number 22/01/2023 has been opened and yet no arrest has been made. We call on South African Police Service to effect the arrest of the perpetrators so that the lives of the witnesses and other homeless people in the area are spared. 

The Federation in the province has filed a Section 4 notice with the Nala Municipality to march to the Police Station and demand the arrests should the perpetrators still be gallivanting free by the end of this week. COSATU stand firmly opposed to racism and we will continue to confront racists wherever they are. The struggle continues!

Issued by Monyatso oa Mahlatsi, Provincial Secretary, COSATU Free State, 26 January 2023