IPID investigating death of teenager during protest
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the death of a teenage boy during a protest near Standerton on Friday morning.
According to reports, the boy was shot in the head by a police officer.
Police spokesperson Colonel Leonard Hlathi says community members were marching to the police station.
"Community member of Sakhile was granted permission to march. Their march was intended to present a memorandum at the police station complaining about a certain case which they believe is not receiving attention," says Hlathi.
Hlathi says the march turned violence.
"In the process, a young boy between the age of 15 and 16 was shot. Unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries.
"We do not know what happened, hence we have invited IPID to take over the investigation to uncover the happenings surrounding the death of the boy," says Hlathi.
Meanwhile, DA leader Mmusi Maimane says he is deeply angered by the actions of the police.
"President Jacob Zuma must immediately institute an investigation into this matter. It cannot be ever be acceptable that unarmed youth are shot at with live ammunition, while protesting for service delivery and the restoration of their dignity," says Maimane.