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A videorecording that captured the commotion in the township before the shootings showed Mpe producing a firearm, in the presence of bodyguards, but he did not fire a single shot.

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Sizwe sama Yende

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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo and the police have not yet established whose firearm shot a nine-year old girl in the head during skirmish between EFF and ANC supporters during vote-campaigning before the elections this year.

The incident happened at Juju Valley in Seshego outside Polokwane in the presence of City of Polokwane executive mayor, John Mpe, and former EFF provincial leader, Joseph “Jossey” Buthane, who defected to the ANC.

There has been rumours on social media that sources within Limpopo police had confirmed that Mpe’s firearm was used to shoot the girl, but his bodyguard would take the fall for him when the matter goes to trial.

It is not clear if these rumours have been sparked by looming ANC regional conferences. Mpe is chairperson of the Peter Mokaba region and he walks on precarious ground due to a groundswell of dissatisfaction against him and campaigns intended to topple him.

Mpe did not respond to questions sent directly to him and his spokesperson, Thipa Selala, as well as ANC spokesperson, Jimmy Machaka.

Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said that the NPA was better placed to respond since the matter was now before court.

A videorecording that captured the commotion in the township before the shootings showed Mpe producing a firearm, in the presence of bodyguards, but he did not fire a single shot.

WATCH: Commotion at Juju Valley

The hotly contested voting district was eventually won by the EFF, which got 656 votes against the ANC’s 208 for national government. For provincial government the EFF got 692 votes against the ANC’s 171 and regional vote the EFF got 712 against the ANC’s 171.

The ANC went on to win the elections convincingly in Limpopo while in other province, it experienced a massive decline in votes.

Limpopo NPA spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, said there were several firearms that were used during the skirmish between the two political parties’ supporters - some were identified, and others were not.

“It has not been determined as to which gunshot the young girl. The bullet entered and exited her body,” Malabi-Dzhangi said.

Buthane has since been arrested in connection with the little girl’s shooting. He is out on bail.Buthane faces charges that include attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and live ammunition.

The police have so far questioned Mpe immediately after the incident and released him.

Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said after the incident that two of the weapons were licenced, and one was allegedly carried by Buthane. 

Hadebe said 15 cases were registered following the violence. Most of the cases were assault, and two were attempted murder.