The mining town of Linden was gripped by grief and outrage this weekend as the youths killed in recent police shootings were laid to rest, drawing hundreds of mourners, community leaders, and national political figures to their funerals.

The deaths of Ronaldo Peters, 23, and Keon Fogenay, 32, have sparked days of unrest in the region. Peters was fatally shot by a police sergeant last Monday during an attempted arrest in Wismar, an incident that authorities initially described as accidental but which was captured on CCTV and widely disputed by residents. Fogenay, known locally as “Dan,” became the second casualty when he was shot and killed by police during protests that erupted in response to Peters’ death.

Funeral services for the two men were marked by emotional tributes and impassioned pleas for accountability. Relatives, friends, and activists demanded a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shootings. Opposition leaders Nigel Hughes and Aubrey Norton joined grieving families, echoing calls for justice and transparency.

The community’s anger was palpable throughout the week, with protests blocking key roads, including the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge, and confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement. Fires, barricades, and clashes left several officers and civilians injured, and police vehicles were vandalized as tensions escalated.

President Irfaan Ali traveled to Linden to meet with the bereaved families and community leaders, promising a full and independent investigation supported by the Regional Security System (RSS). He urged residents to remain calm and assured them that all actions recommended by the investigation would be pursued “to the fullest extent.”

Despite these assurances, many in Linden remain skeptical, citing a history of unresolved incidents involving police use of force. “We want justice, not just promises,” said one mourner at the funeral, reflecting the prevailing sentiment in the town.

As the investigation continues, the funerals of Peters and Fogenay have become a rallying point for calls to reform police practices and restore trust between law enforcement and the Linden community. The coming weeks are expected to be pivotal as the nation watches for the outcome of the promised probe and the government’s next steps in addressing the crisis.