By Akani Nkuna
THE Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng have confirmed the death of the party’s Regional Deputy Secretary and a Public Representative in the City of Johannesburg, Moshe Mphahlele, who died after being shot allegedly by members of a private security company.
The circumstances surrounding Mphahlele’s death are currently under investigation, but unconfirmed reports said he was shot during a protest for service delivery by private security police in the presence of the Joburg Metro Police Department.
Reports said police were deployed on Sunday night to contain a protest in Alexandra Township, outside of Johannesburg, by the community who were protesting against the manner in which flats in Bramley were allocated.
Police were said to have fired shots in an effort to disperse the protestors and Mphahlele was shot in the process.
However, Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo confirmed that the SAPS were not part of the operation and it was the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) who were deployed to the scene to control the protest.
But if a person died because of police action, the matter had to be referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, he said.
EFF Gauteng chairperson Nkululeko Dunga said the red berets are mourning Mphahlele’s tragic and senseless death.
Dunga said a number of community members were also wounded in the protests – where Mphahele was engaged in “a peaceful service delivery programme advocating for social housing for the people in need” – among them a teenager who is currently in critical condition in hospital.
“As a Public Representative Councilor, Fighter Mphahlele was mediating between the homeless community members and government officials to address the matter.
“During this peaceful engagement, Mphahlele was fatally shot with live ammunition by reckless and irresponsible members of a security company,” Dunga said.
He said it is infuriating and tragic that state security officials would delegate the responsibility of protecting our people during a peaceful protest to brutal private security companies, which have consistently demonstrated a disregard for human life.
Mphahlele was renowned for his fearlessness and ideological radicalness and was dubbed the “Fearless Radical Commissar” by fellow party members and supporters.
Earlier, City of Johannesburg Speaker Margaret Arnolds said Mphahlele was a dedicated public servant whose life was tragically cut short in an incident that has left us all shocked and deeply saddened.
Arnolds said it is imperative that a thorough and transparent investigation is conducted to ensure that justice is served and that the truth is brought to light.
“The Speaker, alongside the entire Council, extends sincere condolences to Cllr. Mphahlele’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate this profound loss,” she said, extending heartfelt sympathies and support to the EFF Caucus in the City of Johannesburg Council.
She further said that losing a colleague and a friend in such a manner is undoubtedly a profound and challenging experience.
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