By: Natasha Archary
Phetha “Ponana” Molonyama, the Tembisa man who was gunned down by police during service delivery protests will be laid to rest over the weekend.
Molonyama, a welder, was shot and killed on Monday, 01 August while reportedly walking home.
The 42-year old was the sole breadwinner for his family and he employed 6 other people in his small business.
It is reported that the welder was shot in the back by a bullet from a police nyala vehicle.
Residents of Tembisa have been protesting over rising municipal tariffs and a lack of electricity in the area.
The protests have been ongoing from last week, but things escalated earlier in the week, with residents and police clashing.
While police say they used rubber bullets to disperse the crowds, an investigation by Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) revealed that live ammunition was used.
Four people have since died from protests in Tembisa, although the cause of death for the 3 others has not been revealed.
There has been intense public outcry following Molonyama’s senseless killing and the community have demanded answers from Ekurhuleni Mayor, Tania Campbell.
Campbell is expected to address the community on Friday, 05 August to share solutions to grievances expressed in a community forum which took place on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the community will gather to pay their respects to Molonyama on Saturday, 06 August at the Rabasotho Hall from 08h00 to 11h00.
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