‘Drug dealer’ killed by mob

100 left displaced as homes are razed

BLIKKIESDORP residents near Delft took matters into their own hands and allegedly killed a man after petrol bombing a house belonging to an alleged drug dealer at the weekend.

More than 100 were left homeless after the raging flames spread to neighbouring structures.

Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said cases of murder and arson were registered for investigation after the incident that took place at midnight on Saturday.

“According to reports the community of Blikkiesdorp set alight an alleged drug house and in this process eight to 10 shacks were also destroyed,” said Van Wyk.

“The fire brigade extinguished the fire. A 20-year-old man was also severely assaulted by the community and died due to injuries sustained.

“Taking the law into your own hands is a criminal offence. People have the responsibility to report crime to police. They must have confidence in the police to be able to handle the situation to their satisfaction.”

Van Wyk added that no arrest had been made and detectives were following up all leads.

A Blikkiesdorp resident who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals said: “People are tired of gangsterism which comes with drugs and crime as these things are tormenting the community. Residents have been complaining about a certain man who doesn’t stay far from my house, that he was selling drugs.

“Apparently the man was warned and told to leave the community but he remained and continued with his illegal activities.

“Saturday night a group of residents went to his house which is believed to be the drug house but he had ran away a few minutes before they arrived.”

The house of the alleged drug dealer and his car were petrol bombed.

“Some of the group chased another male who is believed to have been working with him.The man was caught by the mob and killed,” said the 47-year-old.

She said at the time of the incident she was watching TV with her husband and children when they heard a noise about houses on fire. When the family went out the fire had spread and nothing could be saved.

The City’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Theo Layne said about 20 informal structures were destroyed, leaving more than 100 persons displaced.

Anyone with information can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or Crime Line on 32211.