Local tycoon’s property burnt and booze stolen
This reporter learnt from some bystanders that the trouble started on Monday morning after Mr Aaron Lekwadu (47), resident of Mandela section was mysteriously killed by an alleged fire. Lekwadu was working as a security guard at one of Phala’s businesses.
RIBA CROSS- Community members allegedly burnt and looted two shops, several cars and a double storey house belonging to well known business tycoon Mr William “Uncle William” Phala on Monday June 29.
According to the paper’s sources the looting started at about 20:30. When Steelburger/Lydenburg News visited the area on Tuesday morning, locals were seen gallivanting the streets with bottles of beer and expensive whiskeys.
Police and fire fighters were busy trying to stop the fire that was still emanating from some parts of the stores.
“Beer bottles were smashed and the house was emptied last night, even some cash was stolen” an eye witness revealed.
“The residents burnt the house and stole the furniture and everything that was inside the shops. There is nothing left, they took all the alcohol, you can see that they are all intoxicated,” one eye witness alleged.
The sources revealed that Phala and his family managed to escape unhurt.The paper could not get the real reason Phala’s house was burnt and why his property was looted.
This reporter learnt from some bystanders that the trouble started on Monday morning after Mr Aaron Lekwadu (47), resident of Mandela section was mysteriously killed by an alleged fire. Lekwadu was working as a security guard at one of Phala’s businesses.
Spokesman for the Tubatse police, Const Sello Movundlela could not yet give the newspaper a report about the death of Lekwadu and Phala’s burnt properties. For this article and more, get a copy of the Steelburger/Lydenburg Newspaper this coming Friday.
