Premier denounces ‘racists’ at funeral of Coligny teen

NORTH WEST premier Supra Mahumapelo led an outcry against racism in his province yesterday during the funeral service for Matlhomola Mosweu, 16, who was allegedly brutally killed in Coligny for stealing sunflowers. Mahumapelo spoke to mourners at an open field in the Scotland informal settlement where Matlhomola lived before he died three weeks ago.

Pieter Doorewaard and Phillip Scutte‚ who are in police custody in connection with Matlhomola’s murder‚ said he jumped out of a moving bakkie while they were taking him to the police station for stealing sunflowers.

But the state version is that they pushed him out of a moving car.

The boy’s death sparked riots in the small North West town of Coligny, with residents looting and burning buildings.

Mahumapelo said there was no doubt that the teenager died in the hands of “white racists”.

Mourners agreed with his sentiments at the emotionally charged funeral service.

“I am not a racist but I have a problem with white people who continue to be racists and practise white superiority and who think that a life of a black person is nothing‚” he said.

The men’s bail hearing is expected to continue in the Coligny Magistrate’s Court today.

South African Civic Organisation (Sanco) provincial secretary Packet Seaketso said they would be marching to the court to oppose bail.

Matlhomola was buried at the Tlhabologang cemetery.