Polokwane - The DA in Limpopo has condemned the fatal shooting of two protesters by police in the province.
“The situation in Limpopo is becoming extremely volatile. It is likely that the people of Relela Village will again be protesting today,” Limpopo Democratic Alliance spokesman America Ngwepe said on Wednesday.
Two men, aged between 25 and 40, were shot dead by police on Tuesday night in Relela outside Tzaneen, Limpopo, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said at the time.
About 1500 violent protesters armed with petrol bombs and stones attacked the police at the station.
Mulaudzi said 15 officers were injured, three critically, and 19 police vehicles were damaged.
The community had been protesting since Thursday after the body of a woman was found in the area.
Mulaudzi said two people were taken in for questioning but were later released. Their houses were burned on Saturday by angry community members.
During that protest, a 15-year-old boy was shot dead, allegedly by police.
“The firearms of officers who attended the protest were taken for ballistic tests to confirm if the boy was indeed killed by police,” Mulaudzi said.
Ngwepe said there were political tensions in Limpopo.
“The police's heavy-handed tactics to suppress people's discontent is only making things worse,” he said.
Mulaudzi was not immediately available on Wednesday to comment on the violence.
National police commissioner Riah Phiyega was also expected to visit Relela Village.
Sapa