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Racist hit re-lived

THE horrific scenes of a racist gunning down of four poor black people in North West will be relived in a stage play tomorrow.

The nation was shocked to learn of the attack, which happened four years ago in Skierlik, a village outside Swartruggens.

In 2008 Johan Nel went on a rampage in the informal settlement and left four people, including a baby, dead.

The victims - Enoch Matshelanoka, Sivuyile Peye, Annah Moiphitlhi and her three-months-old Elizabeth Moiphitlhi - who she was carrying on her mother back - died when Nel went on a shooting spree, during which he also injured 11 other villagers.

Four years later a stage play about that horrific day has been penned to not only commemorate the day but to also "celebrate" the lives of those who died in the racially motivated attack.

The play, titled Skierlik, was written by Philip Dikotla, directed by Philip Molepo and produced by Karabo Kgokong. Kgokong said it was first performed at the Market Theatre in Mafikeng last year.

Kgokong said: "It is a one-man show played by Philip (Dikotla). They brought me on board and I have to say it is a very good play. The response from audiences has also been wonderful."

Kgokong said Dikotla told the story of Johannes Moiphitlhi, the father of Elizabeth and Annah's husband.

"The story is about his losing both his daughter and his wife. It is sad because the people of Skierlik have since been moved to Mazista and this man has difficulty because all his memories are in Skierlik. His challenge now is whether to let go of the memories or hold on to them, painful as they might be," Kgokong said.

"Skierlik means 'suddenly', so the storyline is that the people of that place feel that a lot is happening around them too fast.

"They feel that 'suddenly the shooting incident took place and suddenly they are being moved to Mazista'. It is a great play and we hope people will enjoy it."

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