According to Krugersdorp News, a group of visibly angry people set a number of houses alight in Sivewright Street last night, 18 January, because they were under the impression that their relative, who had disappeared a day earlier, was being held there.
“It is rumoured that these acts of violence emanate from a report about an allegedly kidnapped Kagiso woman,” said Sergeant Tshepiso Mashale, spokesperson for the Krugersdorp Police.
Photo: Submitted.
“While the preliminary police investigation was underway, the community mobilised, their behaviour allegedly fuelled by unsupported social media reports. The group then raided two shops and burnt down three houses, two in Sivewright Street and one in Luipaard Street, near the Krugersdorp CBD. None of the allegations could be confirmed.”
The Krugersdorp Police and emergency services responded to the scene and it was reported that no one was injured during the attacks.
The victim of the alleged kidnapping was later brought to Kagiso Police Station after she was found near Chief Mogale in Kagiso. The woman was taken for medical treatment and the investigation into the kidnapping is still receiving priority attention.
Major General Anna Mateisi, the West Rand cluster commander, would like to applaud the members and community for the swift manner in which the woman was found; however, she condemned the acts of violence vehemently.
“Vigilantism is not the answer to any situation. We are fortunate that no life was lost during these senseless acts.”
This morning, 19 January, another house in Burger Street was allegedly torched for the same reasons.
Not much is known about the circumstances surrounding the events, but as more information becomes available, the News will update its readers.
Read the original story in the Krugersdorp News.
