By Staff Reporter
news@alexreporter.co.za
A 2-year-old child tragically died, and a woman believed to be the child’s mother is in critical condition following a house fire in Dressmaking Village, Casteel near Acornhoek on Sunday afternoon.
The fire, allegedly started by enraged community members, targeted the home of a man, whom residents accuse of being a drug dealer responsible for selling substances such as nyaope and crystal meth to local youth.
According to witnesses, the community gathered around 1 pm, seeking the owner. When they did not find him, they allegedly set the house on fire.
The woman and the child, caught inside during the blaze, suffered devastating consequences. While the woman was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries, the child could not be saved.
Community members claimed they had repeatedly reported the suspect to the Acornhoek police over the years, accusing him of destroying the future of their children through his alleged drug dealings.
Despite their complaints, they alleged no action was ever taken, leaving them frustrated and desperate.
“We have been trying to stop him for years. Our children’s lives and dreams have been ruined because of this man,” one community member said.
“Even mob justice failed in the past because he seemed untouchable.”
Police have launched an investigation into the fire, the tragic death of the child, and the circumstances leading to this act of mob justice.
Police have urged the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to report criminal activities through appropriate legal channels.
Further details are expected as the investigation unfolds.
Source: Tzaneen Voice.
