Covid leaders embroiled in nasty dispute

There are growing tensions in the Covid informal settlement nearby Driftsands as the homes of some leaders were torched over the weekend.

This comes as some leaders were in disagreement about a violent protest which was meant to raise concerns about the provision of basic services such as water, toilets and taps.

A total of eight shacks belonging to various community leaders were torched over the dispute. 

Bongile Zanazo was in shock as his shack was burnt down.

He said there were also issues pertaining to how people were employed on various community projects which they felt needed to be resolved and looked into.

He said last Thursday he opted to sleep at his cousin's house as he had heard rumours about his house being on the list of homes that were going to be torched.

Around 1pm on Friday, he received a call that his house was on fire and when he got there everything had been reduced to ashes.

He said they have had differences in the past as leaders in the area but it has never reached this stage.

"I have no clothes and I'm only left with these that I'm wearing and I do not know what is the next step that I should take. I feel hurt and angry. I do not understand why are they burning our houses and what are they hoping to gain or achieve by doing that.This is probably the saddest day of my life. I know that the ANC wanted to have a meeting but what is the purpose of that meeting when I do not have a place to stay and clothes to wear."

Luthando Mcuthula said because of unfounded allegations that he is behind the torchings, his house and 4x4 bakkie had been set alight as well.

He said his house was partially damaged while his vehicle was completely destroyed.

He said he has never set anyone's house on fire or even suggested that their houses should be burnt and was shocked when he heard those rumours.

He said it was not the first time that his house had been set alight when there was a protest in the area.

Vukani asked Mfuleni police station spokesperson Warrant Officer November Philander for a comment but we did not get it by the time of publication.