BY REGINALD KANYANE
RUSTENBURG- TWENTY One people are expected to appear at Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court after they were arrested for public violence on Tuesday. 
One person was shot dead by a stray bullet in the process.
Tlhabane Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sgt Ofentse Mokgadi said the incident took place after community members embarked on protest.
“They will appear at Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. The police also opened a case of murder after Letlhogonolo Mathews was shot dead during protest.
 “However, we cannot confirm nor deny that whether Mathews was shot dead by security guard or not. Investigations are underway and will reveal how many shots were fired,” Mokgadi said. 

He further said they call for tranquillity and urge community members to allow police to do their duty without any inteference.
Rustenburg Local Municipality mayor, Mpho Khunou said he was shocked by the death of Letlhogonolo Mathews who was shot dead on Tuesday. 
Khunou said the incident took place at Tlhabane Mall construction site.
“We have learnt with shock and disappointment of the fatal shooting of the late Letlhogonolo Mathews. He was shot dead during the uproar caused by some of community members. 
“They were protesting against the alleged irregular and unfair hiring of casual workers and Small Medium Micro Enterprise (SMME) development at the Tlhabane Mall which is under construction,” Khunou said.
The protest was allegedly executed after the Project Manager failed to table a fair report to the community regarding hiring and SMME development. 
It is alleged that the deceased was killed by a stray bullet after a security guard at the construction site pulled a trigger. 
“We support peaceful protest, however, we condemn violence,” he said.
Khunou further said he believe that the law will take its course and deal with perpetrators. He added that some of community members were arrested in the process.
“We also want to send our heartfelt condolences to Mathews family and friends. As Rustenburg Local Municipality leadership and management, we are working together with police in an endeavour to find an amicable solution towards the matter. This will assist us to avert further unrests in the community. 
“We have already visited the family of the deceased and we will assist where possible. We strongly condemn this unfortunate use of live ammunition that led to the death of Mathews. The Municipality will work together with the police to ensure that justice is done and perpetrators are brought to book,” he said.
South African National Civic Organisation also condemned the use of live ammunition during protest. Sanco provincial secretary, Packett Seaketso said police must swiftly arrest all perpetrators. 

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