SUSPICIOUS residents say that ever since the recycling plant began operating in their kasi, things have been going missing.
They suspected something other than rubbish was being recycled for cash.
On Tuesday they brought everything to a stop when the recycling yard in Orlando East, Soweto was set alight.
Plastic, boxes and other products went up in smoke after months of conflict between Ikurisani Botomi Recycling plant yard owner Maja Yingisani and residents.
Collectors braved the flames to try to salvage what they could, while others tried to put out the fire with buckets of water and branches but had no luck.
The residents who allegedly started the fire said the recycling and scrapyard business increased crime in their area.
One resident told Daily Sun: “The scrapyard is operating illegally here.
“Since it started, people have been losing things from their yards.
“Culprits recycle the stolen items here.
“We asked the owner to close it down but she refused.
“People then resorted to burning it,” said the resident.
But Yingisani said people in the area were jealous and she wanted to empower residents through recycling.
“I opened the centre here in the middle of last year because people had to take their things far for recycling.
“I also employed people from the same community to work at the project to empower them so they can start their own businesses one day.
“I have been terrorised many times and told to shut down this place.
“But I will never close and will leave cops to take care of the matter.”
Captain Nomvula Mbense said a case of malicious damage to property was opened with Orlando police.
They are investigating.
“A 32-year-old man was arrested in connection with the crime and is expected to appear at the Orlando Magistrates Court soon,” said Mbense.
