KENNETH Mputle’s family is very angry.
The 37-year-old was shot dead during a protest at Bafokeng Rasimone mine in Robega, outside Rustenburg, North West, on Wednesday.
He was allegedly killed by mine security guards at a local mine.
Residents say they were not given a chance to explain their grievances and the guards opened fire with live ammunition and a hail of rubber bullets.
They were protesting in solidarity with mineworkers who are denied water and electricity in houses provided by the mine.
Kenneth was described as a peace-loving person.
His uncle Moshate Khunou told Daily Sun: “He was forever laughing, and never wanted to see anyone sad.”
Moshate said he last saw him on Wednesday afternoon.
“He told me that he was planing to host a traditional ceremony. I asked him to lend me his big belly so I could fill it with traditional beer and would return it later. He just laughed at me,’’ said Moshate.
“It never occurred to me that I was sharing jokes with him for the last time.”
Community leader Tommy Mtande said: “We do not know why they shot us, because we were not armed.”
Royal Bafokeng Platinum bosses said the shot that killed Kenneth did not come from mine security.
“Based on preliminary evidence, including video footage, it is believed the shot came from within the protesting group,’’ read the mine’s statement.
Lieutenant-Colonel Adele
Myburgh said a case of murder was opened for investigation.
