Teen killed by guard's 'warning shot' as protest turns violent in Mangaung

A security guard was arrested after the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy during violent protests in Mangaung in the Free State on Monday.

The area has been rocked by the protest, dubbed “MangaungShutDown”, organised by Mangaung Community Concern over a lack of service delivery, land and business, and job opportunities. 

Police spokesperson Brig Motantsi Makhele said the 57-year-old security guard fired a shot in a bid to scare off protesters who went to attack a warehouse in Dr Belcher Road.

“The security guard, who was alone at the time, fired a shot in a quest to scare the mob but unfortunately hit a 15-year-old boy. The boy died at the scene. The security guard was arrested and will appear in the Bloemfontein magistrate's court on a charge of murder,” Makhele said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, a 41-year-old complainant and manager of Mangaung metro solid waste was driving his white BMW on MacKenzie Street in Heidedal on the way to work when he was stopped by a Silver Isuzu bakkie.

He was approached by three males. One of them produced a firearm and ordered him out of the vehicle. They then drove away with the BMW, which was recovered shortly afterwards burnt out. 

A case of hijacking was registered for further investigation.

Police said they were monitoring the situation, which was still tense.

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