A 21-year-old man was shot in a “skirmish” with police during a protest in Tlokweng, the North West department of public safety said on Tuesday.
“He was part of a group that attacked police. A police vehicle was burned, shots were fired,” said spokesman Lesiba Moses Kgwele.
The man was shot during a protest on Monday in which residents of Tlokweng near Swartruggens blocked a road passing through the village with stones and burning objects.
Residents went on the rampage on Sunday after the funeral of Thabiso Moloi, whose decomposing body was found in the bush. They suspected that Moloi was killed for muti. Buses transporting people to work were stopped and school children were not allowed to go to school.
A car and house belonging to the owner of the tavern at which Moloi was last seen were torched and the tavern owner was intimidated.
Kgwele said the situation was “tense but calm” on Tuesday after a lengthy meeting between the community and public safety MEC Desbo Mohono on Monday night.
“MEC Mohono and senior police engaged community leaders and structures in a bid to mediate for restraint for villagers to give the investigations into the alleged ritual murder of Thabiso Moloi a chance,” he said.
Mohono and North West premier Thandi Modise were visiting the area and would address residents at 11am.
Kgwele said the Independent Complaints Directorate would probe the circumstances surrounding the shooting of the 21-year-old.
SABC television news footage shocked the country last month when it showed a group of policemen beating and shooting protester Andries Tatane at a protest in Ficksburg in the Free State.
Eight policemen are currently on trial for assault and murder. – Sapa