ARMED RESIDENTS INVADE, VANDALISE KABIZZAH SHEBEEN

The incident, which saw several people being injured and property being vandalised, took place on Monday afternoon.
A group of about 30 community members was found adjacent to the illegal alcohol outlet, which is situated in Mbhuleni, Matsapha.

Shebeen

The community members, who were visibly angry, said the person who was running the shebeen should close it down as he was failing to operate it like incarcerated Sibusiso ‘Bizzah’ Dlamini.

They alleged that the shebeen operates every day and was promoting illegal activities. They alleged that people who went to work early in the morning and knocked off late were usually robbed by the patrons.

“The patrons are polluting our children who pass by, with their vulgar language,” alleged one of the community members.
Furthermore, the community members alleged that the bulldogs which they use to provide security at the shebeen terrorise people, children, in particular.
Some of the community members, who were unarmed at the time, forced their way into the shebeen. However, they were seen sprinting back as those working inside set the bulldogs on them.

While they were running away from the bulldogs, one of the community members slipped and fell to the ground within the shebeen premises and he was heavily assaulted. They later opened the gate and released the man.

The community members regrouped and this time around they brought their weapons, which included spades and man-made knives, among others. Afterwards, they launched another attack and when those working at the shebeen set the bulldogs on them, they assaulted the animals with their weapons.
The armed community members got into the shebeen and noises of a fierce fight and vandalism of property was heard from inside.

It was gathered that some of the things which were vandalised during the attack included refrigerators, beers and jukeboxes. 
Those who managed to find their way out of the shebeen premises came out half naked as they were chased by the armed community members.
Worth noting is that some of the community members used the roofing of the shebeen to gain entry.

As a result of the bloody clash and threats that they wanted to set the shebeen alight, police were called to intervene and they responded promptly to the call.
Meanwhile, some Mbhuleni community members, who were part of the attacks, are currently fighting for their lives in hospital.
Sources close to the matter alleged that after the police had mediated in the matter, the situation settled but at night, a mob, which was allegedly organised by the faction from the shebeen, attacked the individuals in their homes.

They alleged that the mob also vandalised property including cars, houses and further hacked some of the community members.
Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said so far there were two cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm reported to the police and one of assault common. She said there were also cases of malicious damage to property.

“There are also cases which are being opened by those who were affected,” Vilakati said.
The police mouthpiece said currently, no one had been arrested in connection with the cases opened. She warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands.

She urged the affected community members to approach relevant structures in the community and the police to voice their concerns.
She said they should believe in dialogue in finding lasting solutions to their grievances.

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