The family of Mthokozisi Ntumba is struggling to deal with the passing of their son. This is according to EFF leader Julius Malema, who was speaking on Sunday during his visit to Ntumba’s house in Kempton Park.
Malema questioned the police ministry, saying that he did not understand why they have not executed any arrests yet. “We are highly disappointed in what the police have done and we have come to the family to say that they not alone. The family is going through a difficult time and they are not coping well at all,” he said.
A number of EFF protesters and supporters, as well as the party’s leadership, gathered outside Ntumba’s home on Sunday. Decked out in their EFF regalia, the supporters sang Struggle songs. However, only the party’s leadership was granted entrance to Ntumba’s home, while members of the media and supporters remained outside.
Malema revealed that Police Minister Bheki Cele promised to help the family during his visit last week. “What makes matters worse is that the family is now being asked questions about the things that they need, as they don’t have funeral policies to contribute to the funeral. Because Bheki Cele made a promise and left them with a contact, who is now asking the family all sorts of things, which is unnecessary.”
Malema argued that the question of Ntumba’s policies was irrelevant at this stage. “He had three kids, with the youngest being five months. So, that money of policies can be reinvested to take care of these kids, and the government must take care of his burial.”
Malema described the government as unreliable and stated that his party will try to assist the family. “We need to see what we can do to ease the pain of the family and also to offload this burden from them, and this what we have committed to do.”
Malema said the deceased took care of his children, brothers and aunt. Ntumba was shot, by police during a student protest in Braamfontein last week. Efforts to resuscitate him failed and he died at the scene. His death has sent shockwaves across the country, with the public accusing the police of negligence.
Speculation behind Ntumba’s killing has been rife, with eyewitness student protesters alleging that he was shot several times. However, the motive remains a mystery, considering that Ntumba was exiting a medical centre in Braamfontein, after receiving treatment.
