Councillor’s home burned to the ground
“These people had intentions to kill me because they decided to carry out their plans when they knew everyone was home and sleeping.”
Geluksdal – The home of outgoing Ward 82 councillor Henry Buitendacht was set alight during the early hours of Thursday morning.
Buitendacht received a call from a concerned neighbour, informing him there was smoke coming through the roof of his home.
When he opened his bedroom door, the house was already covered with smoke and flames.
“I only thought of getting my family to safety through the flames. I lost everything in that fire,” he said.
The local election candidate suspects the motive is politically motivated.
On Wednesday afternoon he had an altercation with a local Wi-Fi contractor in the ward over the Wi-Fi cable connections that are attached to poles.
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“As a community, we are against these connections because they are connected to poles that are put in front of people’s gates and cable theft is rife in the area,” he said.
Spearheading the protest, the group demanded for the cables to be fitted underground but the contractor refused to hear reason.
Residents mobilised and forced the officials working in the area to hear their concerns.
Buitendacht added they have seen the connections in other areas fitted underground and doesn’t understand why it is difficult for the same in his ward.
He added that this is the only motive since he hasn’t received any threats to his life except during this incident that afternoon.
He now fears for his and his family’s safety since they escaped the flames.
Also read: Fire safety precaution tips
“These people had intentions to kill me because they decided to carry out their plans when they knew everyone was home and sleeping.
“Now that we have escaped unharmed, they might come to finish us off,” he added.
Tsakani police spokesperson Sgt Lerato Mngomezulu confirmed they are investigating a case of arson.
“No one has been arrested thus far and the motive behind the incident is still unknown. Investigations are underway.
“We are urging anyone with information that might lead to the identity of the suspects to come forward,” she said.
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