MEC wishes girl speedy recovery

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• Cops accused of shooting protesting teen

Mpumalanga - Mpumalanga safety and security MEC Vusi Shongwe on Tuesday sent his well wishes to a girl who was shot, allegedly by police, during a protest in Mayflower.

“MEC Vusi Shongwe wishes speedy recovery to a 16-year-old girl who got shot during violent protests on service delivery at Mayflower,” spokesman Joseph Mabuza said in a statement.

She was shot on Monday, allegedly by police officers trying to disperse residents protesting in the area.

“The Ipid [Independent Police Investigate Directorate] will be investigating the matter,” police spokesman Sergeant Gerald Sedibe said. He did not have details about the girl's condition.

A 19-year-old boy was arrested when was found with a 25-litre container containing petrol.

“The angry community also burnt down the Chief Albert Luthuli municipal offices, held the municipal manager hostage, and also burnt his vehicle,” Mabuza said.

A grader, a water tanker, a van, a truck, office equipment, and documents belonging to the municipality were destroyed in the blaze.

According to the MEC's statement, pupils from three surrounding schools were involved in the protests. Residents were protesting against alleged nepotism and a lack of service by local councillors. Mpumalanga premier David Mabuza condemned the violence.

“I will not tolerate the culture that says when you have problems with government you should destroy what is your own.

“By law, I am expected to protect every citizen in our beautiful province, but I will not allow criminal activities to rule all of us,” Mabuza told residents during a visit to the area, according to a statement issued by his office.

Sapa