January 23, 2008, 15:15
The Skierlik murders were not about politics, but a tragedy that deeply touched people, said the Democratic Alliance (DA) today.
"I'm not here to make politics of it," said DA parliamentary leader Sandra Botha, who was visiting the victims and families involved in last week's shootings at Skierlik township in Swartruggens today. Botha said she wanted the community to know that the DA cared and was deeply touched by the crime.
Botha, accompanied by DA representative in the North West, Chris Hattingh, was also expected to visit a family affected by a farm attack.
An 18-year-old allegedly shot and killed a 30-year-old man, a 10-year-old boy, a three-month-old baby as well the baby's mother, and allegedly wounded nine others in the Skierlik Township last Monday.
At his court appearance at the Swartruggens Magistrate's Court last Thursday, protesters toyi-toyed and sang Umshini-wam while holding placards saying: "Kill the devil" and "Hang hom".
Johan Nel is due to appear in court for a second time tomorrow.
Additional police to be deployed
Police spokesperson Louis Jacobs said today that additional police would be deployed at the courtroom tomorrow during the case. He also said police will also be present at a night vigil to be held for the victims on Friday.
Cosatu spokesperson for the North West, Solly Pheko, said a memorial service for the victims would be held at 2pm tomorrow.
Cosatu will also be marching to the court to present a memorandum asking for the man not to be granted bail.
Pheko said there was "still a racial issue", the prosecutor and magistrate were white and the proceedings at the first appearance of the suspect had not been translated into a language the victims' families could understand.
The funerals for three of the victims will be held on Saturday. Cosatu Secretary-General Zwelinzima Vavi is scheduled to speak at the funeral. - Sapa
|
|
