Eight held after Sanco leader’s home is demolished

EIGHT people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in demolishing the home of a South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) leader using hammers and shovels on Monday.

The organisation’s branch secretary, Christopher Zondani, said that before the incident, he had received a warning to leave the community within three days.

“There were people that came to my house on Friday last week, they told me to leave the community. They said they were sent by residents who were angry because I blocked their electricity and their service delivery. They said they were giving me three days.

“But I decided to stay because

I am not the ward councillor of the community and I did not do anything wrong,” he said.

Zondani said he was woken by the sound of hammers and shovels hitting his house at about 3am on Monday.

“When I went outside it was people wearing masks and balaclavas, but I could see who they were,” he said.

A case was opened with the police on the same day.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said eight suspects between the ages of 31 and 45 had since been arrested.

“Harare police are investigating a malicious damage to property case which occurred on Monday in Enkandla informal settlement, Khayelitsha.

“According to reports, suspects demolished dwellings. Eight suspects were arrested on a charge of malicious damage to property and will make a court appearance in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court once they have been charged,” he said.

Residents have reportedly claimed that Zondani was blocking service delivery for the area and was only considering his friends for job opportunities.

However, Sanco Regional Interim Co-ordinating Committee convenor Lonwabo Peter said Zondani was being used as a scapegoat.

“These are people who have grievances with the councillor, and they are using Zondani as a scapegoat.

“We are going to have a meeting with residents and we will expose all those who have done this malicious attack. We are committing that by Sunday everything will be back to normal,” Peter said.

Ward councillor Lonwabo Mqina did not respond to questions by deadline.