TEN men were arrested in connection with what is believed to be politically motivated crimes committed at SJ Smith Hostel in Swinton Road, Mobeni.
Montclair SAPS were called out when a series of complaints of assault, attempted murder and intimidation were reported on Thursday, 21 September.
Attacks were carried out against members in the municipality offices situated in the hostel. It has been alleged that independent parties are fighting to force the current councillors out of office. The debacle began when a man was assaulted with knobkerries and metal sticks after refusing to hand over the office keys to his attackers. He escaped with his life by running away and was rescued by a friend.
The situation escalated when reports of people causing chaos at the municipality office forced a worker to go to the office and find out what was wrong. “When he got there he found a group of men demanding the office should be locked. He refused to close up and chased them away,” said Montclair SAPS communication officer, Captain Dereck Vijiam. Not taking no for an answer, one of the rioting men tried to stab the worker in the chest. He reacted and blocked the knife with his hand, resulting in his finger being cut. He fought back with a plank before escaping.
Montclair SAPS were inundated with calls as yet another case of assault was reported. During the rioting, a man was stabbed in the head, face and arm with a home-made spear. He was helped by another man who managed to get the name of his attacker. The stabbing victim was rushed to hospital and the attacker was arrested by two officers.
Branch commander for Montclair SAPS who said ten men were arrested on Thursday for GBH, assault, intimidation and attempted murder. “The men appeared in court on Friday and were remanded. We pray this conflict does not turn into another Glebelands scenario,” he said
