The torching of three houses belonging to Shangaan-speaking residents has sparked fears of xenophobia and tribalism in Tsakane in Ekurhuleni.
A mob of young men believed to belong to a gang called Ruff 3, armed with pangas, knives and guns, attacked three houses in Extension 13 in Tsakane on Saturday afternoon.
Ekurhuleni Metro police spokesman Clifford Shongwe said the attack appeared to be an act of revenge after a gang member was allegedly caught and killed by one of the homeowners after he broke into the house about two weeks ago.
Also read: How you can use your cellphone to help tackle xenophobia
"It is alleged that during the week one of the gang members was beaten to death by the owners of the [burnt] houses. He was chased, caught and beaten to death. The gang is composed of nyaope users who commit crime as a result of drugs," he said.
Six people have been arrested and will appear in court soon, Shongwe said. Neighbours said the gang planned their revenge during the funeral of their friend on Saturday.
"About 100 of them came here heavily armed. There was nothing we could do but watched them loot the house and burn it," said a neighbour who witnessed the burning of one of the houses in Mashinini Street.
Owner Trigod Mkansi said he watched his one-bedroom house being looted as he hid himself at a neighbours' house.
"I heard people screaming while I was inside my neighbour's and I saw a large group of people breaking windows and get into my house. There was nothing I could do. I asked my neighbour to save my ID book," said Mkansi.
He lost all his belongings which included a TV and music system, fridge, bed, laptop and computer.
"I don't know why they attacked my house. This is xenophobic because all the homes they attacked belong to Mozambican and Shangaan speakers.
"I now fear for my life. I cannot live here any more," Mkansi said.
The owners of the other two houses that were torched were also in the dark about why their homes were torched but said they suspected xenophobia and tribalism.
"I was at work when they burnt my house. I don't know why they did it but I think it was influenced by xenophobia with criminal elements. It will cost me R450000 to fix the damage," said Glen Ntlemo.
Tsakane resident Sibongile Mashaba was shocked by the attack.
"We are all scared. Nobody knows when their turn will come," Mashaba said.
Fear of xenophobia and tribalism after 3 homes torched
The torching of three houses belonging to Shangaan-speaking residents has sparked fears of xenophobia and tribalism in Tsakane in Ekurhuleni.
A mob of young men believed to belong to a gang called Ruff 3, armed with pangas, knives and guns, attacked three houses in Extension 13 in Tsakane on Saturday afternoon.
Ekurhuleni Metro police spokesman Clifford Shongwe said the attack appeared to be an act of revenge after a gang member was allegedly caught and killed by one of the homeowners after he broke into the house about two weeks ago.
Also read: How you can use your cellphone to help tackle xenophobia
"It is alleged that during the week one of the gang members was beaten to death by the owners of the [burnt] houses. He was chased, caught and beaten to death. The gang is composed of nyaope users who commit crime as a result of drugs," he said.
Six people have been arrested and will appear in court soon, Shongwe said. Neighbours said the gang planned their revenge during the funeral of their friend on Saturday.
"About 100 of them came here heavily armed. There was nothing we could do but watched them loot the house and burn it," said a neighbour who witnessed the burning of one of the houses in Mashinini Street.
Owner Trigod Mkansi said he watched his one-bedroom house being looted as he hid himself at a neighbours' house.
"I heard people screaming while I was inside my neighbour's and I saw a large group of people breaking windows and get into my house. There was nothing I could do. I asked my neighbour to save my ID book," said Mkansi.
He lost all his belongings which included a TV and music system, fridge, bed, laptop and computer.
"I don't know why they attacked my house. This is xenophobic because all the homes they attacked belong to Mozambican and Shangaan speakers.
"I now fear for my life. I cannot live here any more," Mkansi said.
The owners of the other two houses that were torched were also in the dark about why their homes were torched but said they suspected xenophobia and tribalism.
"I was at work when they burnt my house. I don't know why they did it but I think it was influenced by xenophobia with criminal elements. It will cost me R450000 to fix the damage," said Glen Ntlemo.
Tsakane resident Sibongile Mashaba was shocked by the attack.
"We are all scared. Nobody knows when their turn will come," Mashaba said.
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