THEFT allegations have caused a war between the community of Siza informal settlement outside Rustenburg and Lesotho nationals.
More than 20 shacks belonging to Basotho people in the North West informal settlement were burnt. The community accused Sotho people of stealing from them. One of the victims, Puseletso Tladi, whose shack was burnt said she doesn’t have a place to stay.
“I was at a piece job when the fire started,” she said.
“I have no idea how it started. I lost all my belongings, including my passport."
Another victim said she was at work when her two kids called her.
“I was told that our home is on fire. The kids managed to escape but we lost everything. We have nowhere else to go,” she said.
Ntswaki Rashupa said she had been living in the area since 2010, adding that she doesn’t believe Sotho people are responsible for the theft.
"There are people who wear blankets and pretend to be Sotho people and they are not. Those are the people who steal,” she said.
Ntswaki said she has been asking for accommodation from different people since the incident happened.
Local committee member, Boitumelo Bosman, said the clash was sparked by theft accusations. Boitumelo said the situation needed urgent intervention.
ALSO READ: Gatvol parents: 'We didn't give birth to nyaope addicts'
“We need the police to intervene before the violence intensifies."
She said the safety of residents was being compromised. Boitumelo told Daily Sun that the angry community said Sotho people were not welcomed until they returned all their stolen goods.
North West police spokesman Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed that cops in Boitekong were still monitoring the situation at Siza informal settlement.
“This is following the fight that flared up between the Basotho and Xhosa people on Tuesday, 5 September 2023," he said.
Mokgwabone said a number of shacks were allegedly set alight. However, the exact number is yet to be confirmed.
He said a case of public violence has been opened, but no arrest have been made.
“At this stage, we have not received any reports of injuries,” he said.
