Mayor prevented from paying his respects

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Pict: Courtesy of Times Live

A group of residents today prevented the City of Tshwane Mayor, Solly Msimanga, from paying his respects to the bereaved families of the five children killed by a high mast light.

On Saturday, residents of ward 27, Block X in Soshanguve witnessed the tragic death of five children between the ages of 6 and 12 years after a high-mast light struck them late afternoon.

Apparently, four of the children died after the high-mast light ring immediately fell on them killing the four immediately and one was transported to Dr George Mukhari Hospital and later passed away.

Upon arrival at Block X Community Hall in Ward 27 in Soshanguve, the delegation of the Mayor was allegedly met by members from the local Business Forum indicating their discomfort with the presence of the Executive Mayor and some members of the delegation.

Acting Spokesperson to the Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Mr Lindela Mashigo, said in light of the tragic events that recently unfolded and cognisant of the raw emotions, the Executive Mayor decided not to engage with the mob, but rather made his way to the first of the distraught families.

“Upon arrival at the house of one of the families, to express his condolences to the parents who had just lost a child, the Mayor was again accosted by the mob,” he said.

It was later reported that the Mayor left the area under a hostile situation.

The mayor later issued a statement expressing his dismay at the level of political intolerance in the area and continued to pass his condolences to the family, blaming the mishap on vandalism.

“We find ourselves in sorrow following the deviant acts of villains hell-bent on thieving the City’s infrastructure. It is unfortunate that this vandalisation of electricity wires has terminated the lives of innocent souls,” Mr Msimanga said.

The Mayor said the incident has been reported to the South African Police Service and a case of investigation was opened.

He edged the community to restrain from any violent acts and let the matter be handled by qualified organs of the state.

The Mayor again would like to extend his condolences to the bereaved families and say to them that the Msimanga administration in the City of Tshwane mourns with them.