The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng condemns in the strongest possible terms the violent and barbaric shooting incident that occurred in Ward 1, Orange Farm on 14 February.
While Fighters were engaged in a Mass Recruitment Campaign, two armed gunmen stormed the event and opened fire on attendees. This senseless attack claimed the life of one Fighter, Mphikeleli Xaba, and left three others; Lucky Nkonyane, Matheza Sithole, and Lerato Majela, seriously injured.
Although the exact motive behind this heinous act has not yet been fully established, the EFF in Gauteng will not rest until the perpetrators of this cowardly crime are identified, apprehended, and held fully accountable. An attack on Fighters who are peacefully attending an official EFF event, dressed in EFF regalia, is not only an assault on our movement, but also a direct threat to democracy, freedom of association, and political expression.
We call on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) to act with urgency and decisiveness to get to the bottom of this matter. As we approach the year of local government elections, any form of violence linked to political activism must be swiftly confronted and decisively dealt with before it escalates further.
The EFF Gauteng extends its deepest condolences to the family of Fighter Mphikeleli Xaba during this painful time. We also wish a speedy and full recovery to the injured Fighters. We urge all Fighters affected by this tragic incident to remain calm, disciplined, and cooperative with law enforcement authorities to ensure that justice is served without fail.
