Angry residents from Atteridgeville went on a rampage on Saturday morning‚ torching houses in Pretoria West believed to be occupied by foreign nationals.
Police spokeswoman Captain Augustinah Selepe said that the group of people who targeted foreign nationals‚ started demonstrating in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“[The violence was] around residential and industrial area of Pretoria West. There was burning of houses by a mob of people who are suspected to be from Atteridgeville accusing foreigners of drug dealing and keeping brothels‚” Selepe said.
She said that by the time police responded to the scene‚ two houses had already been burnt down.
“Police are keeping a strong presence and are on the ground monitoring the situation‚” she said.
This comes after similar violent scenes played out in the crime-riddled Rosettenville area. Residents also torched houses and alleged brothels believed to be operated by foreign nationals. Police arrested a number of community members that were part of the violence. This prompted Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba to visit the area last week on Monday.
TMG Digital/TimesLIVE
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