RDP conflict in Villa Liza boils over, countless homes vandalised

This is after on Monday at around midnight and Tuesday morning (April 25 and 26) residents of the ward set three of the new RDP houses alight while windows and doors of the other 84 RDP homes were damaged.

Eight cars were also set alight, resulting in one person being rushed to hospital with injuries.

The violence follows frustration in the community over the apparent dubious allocation of the RDP houses to the initial 34 beneficiaries.

A guard, who wishes to remain anonymous and who was tasked to keep watch over the RDP houses, said: “I saw a large crowd of people, especially youngsters, involved in setting some of the houses alight. It was scary.

“Others were carrying sticks and sjamboks as they vandalised the RDP houses. I couldn’t do anything to stop those people because they were too many and they were armed.”

According to the guard, the protesters even removed sinks and taps from the newly built houses.

The houses that were set alight belong to three community liaison officers (CLO), who allegedly are the ones who are being blamed for the allocation of the RDP houses.

CLO Jeremiah Madumo Khoza, who is one of the victims, said he feared for his life.

“When the crowd came I was inside my house. They jumped the fence and some entered the yard on top of the roof.

“My family managed to escape but I remained behind to try and save my house,” Khoza said.

The SAPS and the disaster management services were on the scene trying to calm the situation and to extinguish the blaze.

“I feel so sad because they have burnt my car and have put the lives of tenants, who rent from me, in danger. I hope now justice will prevail,” said Khoza.

Another CLO, Jonas Mthimunye slammed the allegation that he is involved in selling the RDP houses for own profit.

“I did not sell any RDP houses. The protocol is followed when allocating homes, such as giving preference to older people, the disabled and child-headed families.

“I have been left traumatised. I don’t have a house any more. All my belongings are also gone,” Mthimunye said.

Police spokesman Captain Tsekiso Mofokeng said 20 suspects were arrested for public violence and have appeared in the Vosloorus Magistrate’s Court.

“Investigations are still ongoing and we are appealing to the community of Villa Liza who might have seen something or know something to come forward with information.

“They may phone 08600 10111 or go to the Dawn Park SAPS to help with information,” Mofokeng said.

Allocation of RDP houses causes conflict |