Johannesburg – The police on Monday said they could not confirm that all 16 houses set alight at the weekend in Rosettenville were brothels or drug dens as alleged by protesters.
Police spokesperson, Captain Kay Makhubele, said at this stage it remained an allegation that all the torched houses were being used for illicit purposes.
"We urge the community members not to take the law in their own hands, but to come forward with any information regarding these suspected brothels and persons dealing in drugs," said Makhubele.
Protesting residents in Rosettenville on Saturday burnt 16 houses suspected of operating as brothels and drug dens thought to be owned by Nigerian nationals. However, questions of liability were being asked by affected residents.
One man, who was renting a room in Rosettenville returned from work to find the whole house had been reduced to ashes. He said he did not know who would compensate him for his loss.
Commenting on the matter, Ayanda Mazwi from ombudsman for short-term insurance, said: "A lot of companies are likely to pay for houses, but it depends on the policy and agreement between the company and the owner."
Meanwhile City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba said he was deeply concerned by the violence and destruction of property in Rosettenville. He said the City would work with law enforcement authorities to stabilise the situation.
"Just this past Wednesday, we addressed the community, calling for calm and respect for law and order. MMC [Member of Mayoral Committee] for Safety, Michael Sun, together with five other City councillors from the area also visited Rosettenville this past weekend to calm tensions within the community," said Mashaba.
The mayor said he sympathises with the residents of Rosettenville and, indeed, has committed to stepping up the City’s efforts in the eradication of crime within Rosettenville and Johannesburg as a whole.
"We cannot condone residents taking the law into their own hands and endangering the safety of the communities. We are all in the fight against crime together. In doing so, we all must respect the law. This will take the cooperation of all residents."
Mashaba urged the police to investigate all cases of arson to identify those responsible so that they may held to account.
Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba and Gauteng Community Safety Member of the Executive Council (MEC) Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane are set to visit Rosettenville on Monday for a community meeting.