The MEC for Transport and Community Safety in the Eastern Cape, Xolile Nqatha, says the ongoing acts of burning down homes in Port St Johns will not deter them from striving for unity and stability in the villages.
Nqatha’s words came after 49 houses were burned in the early hours of Sunday in the Port St Johns village of Bhuja under Majola.
He states that with the possible collaboration of the department, the residents, and the police, violence in the villages can be eradicated. He went on to say that arson is a serious crime and that anyone with information should help the authorities apprehend the perpetrators.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, the attack, which left many homeless, occurred before 4am on Sunday, January 15.
Kinana says that no one was hurt or burned, and that all of the victims fled.
He says that the cause of the burning of these homes is still being investigated, and that ongoing issues in the area, such as livestock sharing, cannot be blamed at this time.
Cases of arson and vandalism have been opened, but no suspects have been apprehended.
Lieutenant General Nomtheleli Mene, the Provincial Commissioner, has already formed a team to conduct a thorough investigation in Majola.
It is also believed that the suspects cut the electricity cables in order to cut off the connection while setting fire to the houses.
This is not the first outbreak of house burning in this area; it happened last year and the year before.
Most people, including children, mothers, fathers, and elderly women, are sleeping in the bushes in fear of their lives, having fled their homes.
Anyone with information about the perpetrators is urged to help the police apprehend them. Colonel Mthengelwa can be reached at 071 366 0017 or 08 600 10 111.
Ubomi ejele kutata owadlwengula unyana wakhe ona-8