Commemoration service for Nhlanhla Masuku and Dennis Mathibidi
Thursday 5 May 2005
On the 16th February 2005, Kathorus Concerned Residents-KCR held a commemoration service to remember the death of two school children which were shot dead one year ago by the Ekurhuleni Metro Police during evictions in Katlehong, East Rand. The service was held at Makhandonia Church in Katlehong.
On the 16th February last year the sheriff of the court accompanied by security personnel and members of the South African Police Services came to Khumalo Section in Katlehong to evict people from their homes. The community of Katlehong led by the Kathorus Concerned Residents resisted these evictions. KCR is in possession of the document which was agreed upon by the Ekurhuleni Council, Banking Council , the MEC of housing in Gauteng and KCR which says Houses in Khumalo Section and other areas reffered to as self help scheme housing will not be evicted or occupants moved to rightsizing rather they will be rightsized in their own houses. This agreement was read to the sheriff on the scene including the police. The sheriff together with drunk police members begun to evict people. Community ,which relied on the legal document to stop evictions started to demostrate and resisted the evictions.
Members of the Ekurhuleni Metro police were called. On the way towards the scene of evictions about 600 meters from the scene these police started shotting at the school children which were coming from schools. Two children died, two other children got injured, one is seriously injured and still attends medical treatment at his parents costs.
The death of Dennis and Nhlanhla is a serious blow to South Africans and the world commitment on the Human Rights. When Hector Petterson was gunned down in Soweto during the 1976 students uprising, South Africans agreed that it should never happen again.
The criminal charges have been brought against the suspect. In more than 10 court appearances nothing has been said other than giving another court date. The next court appearance is the 5th May 2005.
In the commemoration of this year the community and the KCR has agreed on the following : That the civil case must be brought against the suspect and /or his employer Ekurhuleni Metro Council : That the Commemoration Service of the two children must be held every year : That the library should be build in memory of the two children. The library will be helpful for the community in that part of Katlehong as the nearest library is taxi/bus away from the area.
The library will have books that covers all topics including Human Rights, History of our struggle locally and internationally. KCR WILL APPRECIATE ANY DONATIONS OF BOOKS AND MATERIALS AND OTHER FORMS OF DONATIONS THAT MAY MAKE THIS PROJECT A REALITY.
For More Information contact the APF :(011) 339-4121 Secretary of KCR Joe Masetle: 084 398 9426 / 073 761 8476
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Kathlehong Concerned Residents - KCR
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