Vigilantes unleash violence and looting in southern Johannesburg suburb
Johannesburg’s Rosettenville has been hit by violence as residents say they are being overwhelmed by drugs and prostitution, writes Ihsaan Hafejee
Elube Mwalwen‚ who immigrated to South Africa from Malawi‚ was making her way home from work when she noticed a commotion outside her home on Lawn Street in Rosettenville. "I was very confused as I did not know what was happening. People were shouting and screaming and being very violent. I saw my husband standing with our baby on the opposite street so I just went to them and watched while the house was set on fire‚" said Elube. She and her young family watched in silence as their home along with all their belongings went up in flames. The vigilantes cheered. Her husband‚ 36-year-old Albert Mwanza‚ works as a mechanic. He was in the house sleeping when he was woken by the noise of the approaching vigilantes. "When I went outside to see what was happening I was beaten by some men. They were saying I am a Nigerian and I’m selling drugs‚" he said. Albert’s attackers started fighting among themselves when one of them recognised that he was from Malawi and attempted to stop the others f...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.