The police are on the scene where a Sol Plaatje foreman was killed during a shooting on Friday evening. Picture: Sandi Kwon Hoo
SOL PLAATJE municipal foreman and SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) shop steward Japhta Louw was killed during a shooting outside his home in Jacksonville, Roodepan on Friday evening.
It is believed that several shots were fired from a passing vehicle.
Louw was driving a work vehicle at the time of the incident. A family member stated that he had quickly stopped at home and was on his way out again.
The municipal vehicle has been taken in for ballistics testing.
The family member said: “When I arrived at the scene, Louw had already died. It is really tragic and unnecessary. It seems as if whoever fired the shots wanted to make sure that he was dead, as he survived a previous shooting in July this year. I think people were jealous of the position that he occupied.”
Others speculated that Louw was targeted as he had reported incidents of cable theft involving municipal employees.
Former Samwu local chairperson Daily Semau said they were still awaiting reports from the police relating to the number of shots that were fired.
“We don’t know what the motive was,” said Semau. “He was a hard worker employed in the refuse section and a shop steward. He was a respectful person. He started off as a truck driver and worked his way up.”
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thoko Riet extended condolences to Louw’s family.
“He will be sorely missed, we have lost a great employee,” said Riet.