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Two black families believe they are targets of racists

LIVING IN FEAR: Maleje Mohube, whose car was allegedly smashed by attackers, believed to be white, in Northmead, Benoni. Pic. Peter Mogaki. 19/06/08. © Sowetan.
LIVING IN FEAR: Maleje Mohube, whose car was allegedly smashed by attackers, believed to be white, in Northmead, Benoni. Pic. Peter Mogaki. 19/06/08. © Sowetan.

Kamogelo Seekoei

Kamogelo Seekoei

Two black families at Northmead in Benoni live in fear following a spate of mysterious attacks on their property, allegedly by their white neighbours.

They say they are being terrorised by their white neighbours and they fear things may get worse because police are dragging their feet.

Dineo Mohube's family is the only black family in their street, while Michael Khoza's family house is in the next street.

Mohube says she is not only accusing white people of the attacks without proof, but "I have seen one young white boy running from my home".

"My brother has seen one and my mother as well, but we never know where they disappear to."

The last attack, during which a gunshot was heard, was on Sunday when Mohube's sister, Maleje Mohube's car was smashed.

And, for the past two months, their houses have been stoned, windows broken and cars smashed.

"We now live like prisoners in our own homes. And the police tell us they can't do anything because there is no proof," Mohube says.

Mohube says her family has lived in the white-dominated area for 13 years and that there were minor racist incidents, but the recent attacks have terrified them.

Khoza told Sowetan he did not think it was a coincidence that the attacks on the two families occurred on the same days.

Agneta Mthombeni, who lives with Khoza, says: "When the xenophobic attacks started we thought it was that."

Police spokesman Joshua Dhladhla said he visited the Mohube family on Tuesday.

"We were not aware of these issues until the media started calling. But we are dealing with it."

He said they would keep the family informed about any progress made.

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