Angry mob torches and loots house of tycoon
Other residents alleged that there was another dead body found in Phala's house during the time of the fire.
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 in the streets with bottles of beer and expensive whiskeys.
Police and firefighters were busy trying to contain the fires in some parts of the stores.
“Beer bottles were smashed and the house was emptied last night. Cash was stolen too,” an eyewitness 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 establish the real reason why Phala’s house was burnt and his property 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 in Phala’s house.
Lekwadu worked 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. The station promised to provide the paper with a full report after finalising their investigations.
Steelburger/Lydenburg News visited Lekwadu’s family who confirmed he was working for Phala. Other residents alleged that there was another dead body found in Phala’s house during the time of the fire.
