Mixed reactions on North West 'racial' shooting

Shooting suspect in police custody

Mixed reactions has been received from different organisations regarding an incident where an 18-year-old man randomly shot and killed residents at the Skierlik informal settlement near Swartruggens west of Rustenburg.

During the fatal shootings, four people were killed and nine others were injured. Although the police are unable to confirm the motive for the attack, Cosatu, the mayor and some residents say the attack was racially motivated. It is alleged that the incident is the second attack on residents by the same suspect. Residents allege that the suspect once attacked two women staying on the same informal settlement in 2005. He was arrested and granted a five year suspended sentence.

Cosatu has condemned the incident. Today, some members of the national parliament visited the area to get first hand information. They have made an appeal to all political parties and business communities to stand together to eradicate racism.

Meanwhile, nine of the injured people are still being treated at Swartruggens and Rustenburg public hospitals. The suspect is expected to appear in Swartruggens Magistrate's Court tomorrow.