49 houses were burnt in Bhuje Village, Port St Johns. Image: Stock/DALL·E 2 (AI generated).
Port St Johns village in shock: 49 homes burnt in ‘surprise attacks’
The arsonists allegedly cut electricity and communication in the Port St Johns village before torching 49 homes on Sunday night.
49 houses were burnt in Bhuje Village, Port St Johns. Image: Stock/DALL·E 2 (AI generated).
Nearly 50 homes were burnt in Bhuje Village in Port St Johns, Eastern Cape on Sunday, 15 January. Provincial police have reason to believe the attack’s motive could be related to stock theft and factional battles in the area.
HOMES BURNT DOWN IN PORT ST JOHNS
Unknown suspects attacked Bhuje Village at approximately 4:00 while residents were asleep in their homes. Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said scores of villagers were left destitute after 49 homesteads were burnt.
“According to the reports, during the attack, houses were set alight while others were severely damaged. No injuries nor fatalities were reported, as people allegedly escaped unharmed,” said the police spokesperson.
A 49-year-old man was shot and killed in the nearby village of Tyeni. Uncertainty surrounds the investigation as the police are unsure if the killing is related to the arson attack.
The police said the reason behind the torching of the houses is still unclear, but the possibility that it is related to stock theft and ongoing conflicts in the area cannot be disregarded.
According to Daily Maverick, faction fighting has been a problem in the area since September 2021. More than 100 homes had been razed by September 2022. Allegedly, stock theft sparked the fighting.
“Cases of Arson, Murder and Malicious Injury to Property have been registered for investigation. No arrest has been made at this stage.
“The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has immediately ordered the establishment of a high-level task team to track down and arrest the suspects who are responsible for the extensive damage and murder in the area,” said the police spokesperson.
ORGANISED ASSAULT ON VILLAGE
The attack was well-organised, according to the allegations. The suspects reportedly damaged a transformer and cut electricity and communications before striking. As a result, community leaders and police patrolling nearby villages were unreachable.
The authorities are monitoring the situation in Port St Johns villages to maintain peace and stability in the area.
Members of the public with information that could lead to the suspects’ arrest are encouraged to contact the Crime Stop hotline at 08600-10111 or call Colonel Mthengelwa at 071-366-0017.
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