The Democratic Alliance in Limpopo strongly condemns a deadly shooting incident at an ANC branch meeting in Musina local municipality yesterday.
It is reported that nine people, including an elderly woman, were shot at Muswodi village during a Ward 11 ANC branch meeting.
The branch meeting was called to elect the leadership candidates for the upcoming provincial ANC congress.
Gunmen stormed in and randomly opened fire, shooting nine people and seriously wounding five individuals who were rushed to the Polokwane provincial hospital.
The DA wishes those injured a speedy recovery.
It is alleged that the shooting was the direct result of ANC factional fighting and the DA holds the ANC directly responsible for this.
In addition to the tragic bodily injuries suffered, the school where the meeting was held was damaged too.
The DA calls upon the South African Police Service to expedite the investigation and to arrest those responsible for this political violence.
It is further concerning that this violent incident occurred during the run-up to the Local Government Elections later this year.
Political violence stifles democracy and cannot be tolerated.
The process of electing public representatives is compromised when violence enters the process, and democratic representation is completely undermined.
Criminality should never be used to deter political participation.