North West - The North West provincial government, in partnership with the Kgetleng River Local Municipality will hold a mass service on Sunday in Skierlik, to remember the victims of the shootings which rocked the small community exactly a year ago today.
On 14 January 2008, the close-knit community of Skierlik was left reeling in shock when Johan Nel randomly shot into their informal settlement near Swartruggens in the North West near his family farm.
He killed four people including a six-year-old-child and many others were injured in the shooting.
Enoch Tshepo Motshelanoka, 10, Keditlhotse Elizabeth Moiphitlhi who was 3-months-old, her 31-year-old mother Anna and 35-year-old Sivuyile Danani all died in the incident.
A memorial will also be unveiled on Sunday at the Swartruggens cemetery to remember the deceased.
This morning, the provincial government and the municipality held a prayer service with the family members to mark the day.
Nel pleaded guilty to 17 charges, including murder, and was sentenced to 169 years without parole by Mmabatho High Court Judge Ronal Hendricks.
During the trial it emerged that Nel's actions were motivated by his fears that his family would be attacked by black people.
