Two families have been left homeless and forced to flee an area they have lived in for decades - and all because their daughters wore pants.
The Mkhwanazi and Ngcobo families from T section Umlazi were attacked and chased out of the area before their homes were set alight.
Since the attack on the young women, another two teenage girls had to run for their lives to escape the wrath of a mob that is against women wearing pants.
The women are being attacked by groups of men who live at the Unit 17 men's hostel. According to residents, women who enter the hostel are not allowed to wear pants.
Recalling the events that changed their lives Sphiwe Mkhwanazi said that her daughter Zandile Mpanza had left home around 8am on Sunday to collect water at a central tap not far from their home.
"Minutes later I heard a noise and saw Zandile running into the house crying. Her clothes had been ripped off and she was naked.
"She was being followed by a group of men from the hostel."
She said one of the men began beating her daughter.
"I told Zandile to get dressed and run to the police station. The mob then left only to return with a bigger crowd.
"They were carrying all kinds of weapons and began smashing my windows. I then grabbed my grandson and ran away.
Mkhwanazi said that later the local police arrived and told them to pack a few clothes as the area was not safe for them. "We only took a few things because we thought we were going to return to our home. That evening we received calls from neighbours informing us that people were burning our house," she said.
With tears rolling down her face, Mkhwanazi said she did not know who to turn to.
"We have nothing left, no home, blankets or food. We lost everything we had".
A visibly shaken, Zandile said she would never return to Umlazi again.
"I still cannot believe that human beings can act in that way. I did not commit any crime yet I was treated far worse than a murderer."
Mpanza said that what angered her most was that her home was not inside Unit 17 but a few kilometres away.
The attacks on the women have shocked and angered women and human rights organisations, who have called on the police to take action against the perpetrators.
The incidents come just as the country prepares to celebrate Women's month.
Police said on Thursday that they are investigating at least four cases, including arson, malicious damage to property and assault.