‘No political motive’ in fatal shooting of Kimberley-bound ANCYL leader, says Malatji

ANC Youth League (ANCYL) president Collen Malatji has attributed the fatal shooting of an ANCYL Limpopo provincial executive committee member, who was travelling to Kimberley on Tuesday, to “criminal acts”.

The deceased was en route to the ANCYL national general council, which will be held in Kimberley from September 10 to 13.

Malatji, who will be attending the event, told the media that there was no evidence at this stage of any political motive for the murder.

“The young man was a committed member of the ANCYL who was travelling from Limpopo to Kimberley to be part of a historic moment in the Northern Cape and to help re-shape the country,” Malatji said. 

“Illegal miners are a problem, and others suspect that it could be taxi patrols that don’t allow mini-bus taxis to ferry passengers. But we can only speak on facts. There is a lot of speculation and the matter is under investigation. We extend our condolences to the family.”

He added that crime would be a priority item on the national general council agenda.

“Crime is serious and affects everyone – members of the ANCYL and the community. It is an urgent matter that needs to be attended to by the president. We need to take action and cannot surrender this country to criminals or lawlessness. 

“Our country belongs to us, and it is our future. Not everyone can run to Australia – we have nowhere else to go other than South Africa,” Malatji stated.