Nemato man's car set alight in driveway
NEMATO resident Ishmael Kantandika woke up to the smell of burning tyres and smoke billowing into his house late at night on Sunday February 22 – with his car alight less than 2m from his house.
Kantandika said he ran to the Nemato police station, less than 200m away from his house, for help.
The draftsman believes the fire was no accident and that a hit had been planned on his life.
He told TotT that he believed someone had set fire to the car so that it would spread to his house. “I am not sure who did this, it is someone with a personal issue.
“They managed to set fire to the left back tyre that spread through the whole car.
“Nobody saw anything, and nothing was stolen.
“If that car exploded it was going to burn my house down,” said Kantandika.
He said the police alerted the fire department, which acted swiftly.
No other damage was caused at his property. But his BMW E30 was completely destroyed.
The car, Kantandika explained, had recently gone through an expensive overall and major service that had cost him R14 000.
He said losing the car was a serious blow as he needed it for work. He was also nervous of buying another vehicle in case the perpetrators returned.
“This is very painful, I have no insurance. I need to know who and why,” said Kantandika.
There were no witnesses to the incident, Kantandika said.
Describing himself as a “peaceful man” who lived a quite life, Kantandika said he did not have any gripes with anyone living in the community.
He could not pinpoint any suspects without proof, but was desperate for information.
“A lot of locals are my friends and are sympathising with me.
“Even my neighbours are disturbed; I’m living in fear, when someone comes to burn your car, especially so close to your house – a hit has been organised,” Kantandika said.
“I need the law to take its course and be able to move on with my life.”
Police spokesman Lt Luvuyo Mjekula confirmed the incident, which he said happened at about midnight.
He said a case had been opened.
“No arrests have been made but we are investigating a case of malicious damage to property,” Mjekula said.
Anyone with information about the incident can contact the Nemato police station on (046) 624-1238.