On a Sunday afternoon in Juju Valley, within the Seshego policing area, a violent confrontation transpired amid political party campaigns, prompting the Limpopo police to launch an investigation into cases of attempted murder.
The clash arose between rival political factions, culminating in gunfire that left two individuals wounded, including a nine-year-old minor.
Tension seemingly rose between residents wearing ANC and EFF regalia in Juju Valley this afternoon, which led to a child, among others, being injured.
Video: Supplied. pic.twitter.com/iHzF5SMh6u
— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) May 19, 2024
Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, spokesperson for the Limpopo police, confirmed the rapid response of both the police and emergency medical services to the chaotic scene.
The police and medical teams acted swiftly, providing necessary aid to the injured minor. Concurrently, they commenced an exhaustive investigation into the incident.
It was subsequently ascertained that a 25-year-old man had also sustained gunshot injuries during the altercation.
Brigadier Mashaba noted that the violence did not end there; several other individuals received injuries from being struck by stones, with numerous shots fired amidst the turmoil.
A minor was allegedly shot during a violent fight between EFF and ANC members in Juju Valley, Seshego zone 1 in Limpopo. pic.twitter.com/ROzHLXHkuH
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) May 19, 2024
The extent of the violence has raised considerable concern among the authorities, and the investigation remains active as they work to uncover more details about the incident.
The possibility of additional cases surfacing is high, as the collectors of evidence continue to piece together the sequence of events that led to this outbreak of violence.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, has issued a stern condemnation of the recent violent acts that have shocked the community.
Highlighting that such behaviour is utterly unacceptable and will not be tolerated, Hadebe reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to bring the perpetrators of this violence to justice.
She expressed deep concern over the senseless act of violence that injured innocent individuals, including a child, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Emphasizing the importance of safety and security during the election period, Lieutenant General Hadebe reassured the public that the SAPS will intensify their efforts to maintain law and order.
ANC hooligans shot EFF members in Juju Valley this afternoon.a 7yr old girl was also shot🥹 pic.twitter.com/08EHRh1FtH
— SewelaNkoana (@sewelankoana) May 19, 2024
This includes taking stringent measures to ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts face the full extent of the law. With general elections on the horizon, she urged the public to remain vigilant against criminal activities masquerading as political activism.
The Limpopo police are actively appealing to anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. In a concerted effort to bring the culprits to book, they have provided specific contact details for Lieutenant Colonel Ditjutle Molepo and the SAPS crime stop hotline, encouraging anonymous reports to aid in the swift resolution of the case.
