By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West has condemned the killing of eight people at a tavern in Extension 13, Kanana Township, near Orkney. According to North West police, the suspects arrived at the tavern, looking for Basotho nationals, then randomly fired shots that instantly killed seven people.
One of the several injured patrons succumbed to injuries in hospital. It is alleged that the suspects then took the CCTV system, cash from the till and snooker table.
The Convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said the suspects further robbed patrons of their cell phones and fled from the scene. Kgwele said the civil society-led movement described the brutal attack as a senseless and barbaric act.
He further calls on police not to leave any stone unturned until those responsible for the heinous and ghastly act that has sent shivers across the province and nation are behind bars. Kgwele added that those who do not subscribe to peaceful co-existence must be removed from society to ensure that communities are safer.
“We cannot afford a Zama-Zama turf war or a pushback after successful Vala Umgodi operations conducted in the area. We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the families that lost their loved ones in the attack and wish those hospitalised a speedy recovery.
“No one will be safe until the marauding heartless murderers are disarmed and apprehended. We therefore urge our communities to assist police, who have launched a manhunt in pursuit of the murderers in their investigations,” he said.
Kgwele appealed to the communities to unite in action against the cycle of violence prevalent in the area by reclaiming their activism in order to promote and harness collective responsibility among communities within the spirit of Ubuntu. He said no effort must be spared to tackle the tide of violent crime threatening communities in Matlosana.
“The rule of law must be established in order to regain confidence in the criminal justice system,” he underscored.
Meanwhile, the ANC acting national spokesperson, Zuko Godlimpi said: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the horrific killing of eight individuals at a tavern. This brutal act is an assault on the safety and security of our communities. The actions of the suspects, who not only took lives but also robbed the establishment and patrons, are reprehensible and must be met with swift justice.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. The ANC stands in solidarity with the affected community during this difficult time.”
Godlimpi said they call on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in their investigation. He said it is imperative that the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
The Guardian 