Moshe Mphahlele part of EFF leaders was brutally shot dead during service delivery protest.
4 min 2 mths

Moshe Mphahlele part of EFF leaders was shot to death during service delivery protest.

JOHANNESBURG – In a tragic turn of events, Moshe Mphahlele, a prominent leader within the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was fatally shot during a service delivery protest in Alexandra. The incident occurred amidst escalating tensions between protestors and law enforcement officers as they sought to address grievances over the occupation of flats in Bramley.

Moshe Mphahlele, who served as the deputy secretary of the EFF in Johannesburg and was also a city councillor, found himself caught in the crossfire when police attempted to disperse the agitated crowd. The protesters had been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the slow pace of service delivery and the allocation of housing in the area, leading to a heated confrontation with authorities.

The protest, initially organized as a peaceful demonstration, quickly escalated as frustrations boiled over. Residents of Alexandra have long been struggling with inadequate housing, a lack of basic services, and unfulfilled promises from local authorities. The occupation of flats in Bramley by desperate residents seeking shelter was a direct response to these ongoing issues. The protest aimed to draw attention to their plight and pressure the government into taking swift and effective action.

Eyewitnesses report that the police, in their efforts to manage the increasingly volatile situation, resorted to using rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd. It was during this chaotic dispersal that Mphahlele was struck by a bullet, leading to his untimely death. The exact circumstances of the shooting remain unclear, and an investigation has been launched to determine the events that led to this tragic loss.

Mphahlele was a respected figure within the EFF and the community, known for his dedication to advocating for the rights of the marginalized and his commitment to improving the living conditions of Johannesburg’s residents. His death has sent shockwaves through the EFF and the wider community, with many expressing their grief and outrage over the incident.

EFF leader Julius Malema expressed his condolences to Mphahlele’s family and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. “This is a devastating loss for our movement and the people of Johannesburg. Comrade Moshe was a tireless fighter for justice and equality. We demand accountability for this senseless act,” Malema stated.

Community members and fellow activists have also voiced their concerns, questioning the police’s handling of the protest and the use of force against unarmed civilians. Many argue that the tragic death of Mphahlele highlights the urgent need for police reform and better communication between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

In the wake of this tragedy, the EFF has vowed to continue its fight for better service delivery and the rights of all South Africans. Plans are underway for a memorial service to honor Mphahlele’s life and legacy, with calls for unity and resilience in the face of this loss.

As the investigation continues, the community of Alexandra remains in mourning, grappling with the senseless loss of a dedicated leader and the ongoing challenges they face in their daily lives. The death of Moshe Mphahlele serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated issues within South Africa’s socio-political landscape and the pressing need for meaningful change.