Families in Ratanda demand answers after two killed in water protest

According to IOL, two community members were killed after a protest over month-long water shortages in Ratanda near Heidelberg, leaving families and local leaders demanding answers as authorities investigate.

What happened

According to IOL, residents of Ratanda took to the streets on Friday following a month of water shortages. Eyewitness accounts and media reports state that protesters wielded stones and set tyres ablaze, and that the demonstrations were met with a heavy-handed police response that resulted in fatalities.

Victims and family statements

According to IOL, the first person named in reports is 39-year-old Sipho Motaung, who was shot while gathering with friends in a home near the protest. IOL reports Motaung was not participating in the protest and that he died days before he was due to start a new job in Secunda.

“He was a loving son to me and was looking forward to starting a new job. His promise to me was that he would rebuild this home and take care of my needs. Now that he has died, our hopes and dreams have been shattered,” said Maria Motaung, according to IOL.

According to IOL, the second person killed was 23-year-old Katleho Moloi. His family told reporters that he had joined other community members during the protest and was allegedly struck by rubber bullets fired by police.

“My son died a tragic death as he was riddled with rubber bullets to his stomach. We want answers and justice. Losing a child in this way is heartbreaking, and as a family we deserve to know the full truth of what happened,” Alletta Moloi said, as reported by IOL.

Official responses and investigations

According to IOL, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Lesedi Local Municipality Mayor Mluleki Nkosi expressed condolences to both families. Lesufi was reported to have acknowledged the pain of the bereaved and referenced a recent breakthrough in addressing the water challenge, saying a follow-up meeting with the Minister of Water and Sanitation and a task team have been arranged.

According to IOL, the municipality pledged assistance to the families, including covering funeral costs, and said it was working to restore water as soon as possible.

According to IOL, Gauteng police confirmed an investigation is underway and IOL quoted police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili saying the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is examining the events that led to the deaths of Motaung and Moloi.

Damage during unrest

According to IOL, reporting said Mayor Mluleki Nkosi’s home was burnt down by community members during the unrest.

Community reaction

According to IOL, community members want answers about how a protest over essential services escalated into violence and loss of life. Families and officials have called for the full truth to be revealed as investigations continue.