Cape Town – The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has called for the arrested of suspects who allegedly set alight a homeless man in Bothaville in the Free State.
The trade union said it was shocked that no arrests had been made despite the suspects being known to the police.
In a statement, the Cosatu described the incident as a racial attack and alleged the suspects continued to threaten homeless people of colour.
“We have also learned that there are homeless people who happen to be white who are exempted from the harassment that others are subjected to based on the colour of their skin. This shameless and criminal act should not be accepted in any shape or form.
“Even more appalling is that the alleged perpetrators have been reportedly visiting those homeless individuals during the night and continue to threaten them.” read the statement.
The union called on police to swiftly arrest the suspects to protect witnesses and other homeless people’s lives.
#COSATU Free State calls for the arrest of the racists who set alight a homeless man in Bothaville @OFMNews9497 @LesediFM @SAPoliceService @NPA_Prosecutes #Justice @ConCourtSA pic.twitter.com/aKF9iwkmgL
— @COSATU Today (@_cosatu) January 26, 2023
Cosatu also filed a Section 4 notice with the Nala Local Municipality to march to the police station to demand the arrest of those responsible,
According to police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng, police were investigating two counts of attempted murder, reported TimesLIVE.
The report quoted Thakeng as saying that a second victim, a 41-year-old homeless man, was allegedly shot at with rubber rounds.
The report said Thakeng confirmed an investigation into events at a half-built house in River Street in November last year where the homeless people apparently stayed in.
“It is alleged that members of the neighbourhood watch and a police officer arrived there and chased people away. Allegedly, a 32-year-old homeless man was burnt with a flammable substance. He sustained wounds to his face, stomach, right arm and both legs,” the report quoted Thakeng as saying.
Thakeng also confirmed an internal investigation would conducted on allegations that a police office was at the scene, the report said.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
