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The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Free State has learned with shock that racist white men in Bothaville who set a homeless black man alight have still not been arrested despite the perpetrators being known to the police.

We have also learned that there are homeless people who happen to be white who are exempted from the harassment that others are subjected to based on the colour of their skin. This shameless and criminal act should not be accepted in any shape or form. Even more appalling is that the alleged perpetrators have been reportedly visiting those homeless individuals during the night and continue to threaten them.

COSATU approached the local police station to inquire with the officials to ascertain the  progress that has been made regarding this horrific incident. A case with a reference number 22/01/2023 has been opened and yet no arrests have been made. We call on the South African Police Service to effect the apprehension of the perpetrators so that the lives of the witnesses and other homeless people in the area are spared.  

We have since filed a Section 4 notice with the Nala Local Municipality to march to the police station to demand the arrest of those responsible, should they still be gallivanting free by the end of this week.

As the Federation we stand firmly against racially motivated incidents, and we will confront them vigorously should and when they arise.  

The struggle continues!

Issued by COSATU Free State