Premier rages against racists
Anger against whites at funeral of ‘murdered’ teen
North West premier Supra Mahumapelo led the rage against racism in his province yesterday during the funeral service of 17year-old Matlhomola Mosweu, who was killed in Coligny after allegedly stealing a sunflower.
Mahumapelo spoke to mourners in an open field in the Scotland informal settlement where Matlhomola lived before he died three weeks ago.
Two men, Pieter Doorewaard and Philip Scutte, who are in police custody in connection with the murder, said Matlhomola jumped out of a moving bakkie while they were taking him to the police station for stealing the sunflower. But the state is charging that they pushed him out of a moving vehicle. Mahumapelo said there was no doubt the teenager died at the hands of “white racists”.
Mourners agreed with his sentiments at an emotionally charged funeral service.
Mahumapelo said the court must be independent and not be influenced. He questioned a petition signed by over 100 white people in Coligny who were pleading with the court to grant bail to the two accused.
“Why were they signing a petition that was only signed by white people? Why do they think only white people must come to the rescue of other white people who are alleged to have killed Matlhomola?” he said.
Teachers’ union Sadtu’s provincial chairman Mxolisi Mbomvana said while it might be correct that not all white people were racists, their actions spoke louder than words. “We want to see the same white people marching with us to court fighting racism, if they are saying they are not racists,” he said.
The bail hearing of the two men is expected to continue today at the Coligny Magistrate’s Court.
South African Civic Organisation provincial secretary Packet Seaketso said they would go to the court, opposing bail.
Matlhomola was laid to rest at the local cemetery in Tlhabologang township.