A teenage boy, Vusi Dlamini, has become the latest casualty in a political war that threatens to hold dire consequences for the short-term future of South Africa.
How was Vusi Dlamini killed?
The death of Dlamini has taken over the discourse around the shutdown riots, on Wednesday. Reports indicate that the teen, believed to be aged between 14 and 15 years old, was allegedly gunned down by taxi operators who’d taken matters of safeguarding Chris Hani Mall, in Vosloorus, Gauteng, against looters.
At this time, police have released on statement indicating if any suspects have been arrested for the murder. Also, our efforts to track down Dlamini’s family to get a greater understanding about the events that led to the teen’s death were unsuccessful, by the time this article was published.
Thus far, the only information on what happened to Dlamini come from Vosloorus residents who vehemently claim the teen was murdered by taxi drivers.
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#UnrestSA The lifeless body of Vusi Dlamini, 14, lying at a cemetery opposite Chris Hani Mall in Vosloorus. Residents claimed Dlamini was shot and killed by taxi operators when they were dispersing looters from the mall @TeamNews24 pic.twitter.com/VxuwHWOLp3
— ntwaagae Seleka (@ntwaagae) July 14, 2021
Watch: Chris Hani Mall unrest
The events that transpired at Chris Hani Mall, on Wednesday, will haunt the Vosloorus community for a long time. Reports of looters approaching the shopping district made the rounds earlier in the day and by the time the group made it there, law enforcement agencies and taxi drivers had cordoned off the area, ready to defence the economic hub.
From what we understand, several gunshots were fired, most of which came from armed drivers, it’s believed. At least three people, including Dlamini, were killed in the clashes.
A number of suspects believed to be looters were also arrested and by the time a team of SANDF soldiers arrived in tanker trucks, the rioters had been pushed away from the mall.
#UnrestSA taxi operators have caught two looters inside Chris Hani Mall in Vosloorus. They have taken over the mall and are chasing away looters while police are watching. Three people have died while looting (@ntwaagae) pic.twitter.com/EoJIE1eoMi
— Team News24 (@TeamNews24) July 14, 2021
The situation in the region remains tense as riots continue pacing towards the seventh day of anarchy.