The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) is still looking into cases of residents being shot and killed by police officers during demonstrations in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga.

It is no secret that police shootings and killings during community protests are still a serious issue in Emalahleni.

This comes after ongoing protests over electricity by KwaGuqa residents that have resulted in at least four people dying within six months.

Last year, on 10 November, 50-year-old Leah Lubisi was shot dead by police when residents in Vosman, near Emalahleni, embarked on violent protests over electricity outages.

Not so long ago, on 10 May, 13-year-old Philasande Yende was shot in the head by a police officer with live ammunition at a protest over electricity in Vosman. He was among three people who died during the four-day protest action.

Speaking to Scrolla.Africa, Ipid national spokesperson Robbie Raburabu said Ipid is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

"We are aware of the two deaths a few days apart involving a 13-year-old boy and a 25-year-old male," he said.

The daughter of the late Lubisi, Bongiwe Masheeo, said they are waiting to hear from the police about her mother's case.

"Ever since her death, it has been a struggle at home since she was a breadwinner," she said.

"It is painful that my mother died for a protest she was not even participating in. All I want is to see justice served."

A resident in Hlalanikahle, Tebogo Mokoena, said: "It is important that police officers who use excessive force or engage in unjustified shootings be held accountable for their actions. Police can't be shooting at innocent people who are fighting for service delivery."