By Masilo Malakwane
QwaQwa – Residents of Moeding village in Tseseng and members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) launched the #Justice4Puseletso campaign when they gathered outside Tseseng police station on 23 September demanding the arrest of the police officer’s suspected of murdering 25-year old Puseletso Mayekiso.
Mayekiso was allegedly fatally shot 17 September in an incident that was described as an act of criminality by police.
The deceased’s family have since told The Guard that they have not heard anything from the police regarding what had happened to their daughter. Family spokesperson Nkgono Selina Sicela said it was unfortunate that Puseletso was murdered at such a young age.
“She was a breadwinner who supported the family through her piece jobs. We don’t know how we going to bury her”. The family further indicated that the Puseletso was shot with three bullets.
Meanwhile, the residents of Moeding told The Guard that Puseletso is not the first victim to be killed by police officers in Tseseng area.
Lindiwe Miya was one of the marchers who voiced dissatisfaction outside the police station, vowing not to rest until the suspected killer is suspended and arrested.
“The police should stop protecting the perpetrator who killed Puseletso. Instead of combating crime and protecting, police are now killing us, we want justice for Puseletso,” said Miya.
EFF Regional chairperson Mohau Molwelwe stated that the party has taken up the case and will use its lawyers to expedite law enforcement in an effort to find a justice for Puseletso and give her family closure.
“We as the EFF will support the family until this matter is resolved; we cannot be having officers who shoot and kill our people working as if nothing happened. We want him suspended and arrested; we want the court to decide on this matter, not them,” said Molwelwe.
According to an IPID statement, police attended a complaint from a local shop but the police van was attacked by people from the tavern. It further stated that a police constable of Tseseng fired one warning shot and the group dispersed. Thirty minutes’ later police were again notified that one person was shot dead by a police officer. IPID attended the scene and collected evidence and further informed the family of the deceased. Investigations are ongoing”.
Mayekiso is survived by two children, aged eight and five.
