Abram Mashego

Amid a resurgence of xenophobic violence, residents of Diepsloot are blaming foreign nationals for rampant housebreakings in their area.

At least one person thought to be a foreigner was recently beaten to death by angry residents.

It later turned out that the murdered man was from Limpopo.

Residents on Sunday held a meeting, which was attended by the police to tackle rising violence in Diepsloot.

Residents told police that they suspected foreign nationals were involved in lots of crimes in the area, including housebreaking.

“They steal our televisions and other electric appliances which they take back to their countries,” said Prince Mufamadi, a long-time resident of Diepsloot.

“These people do not work, but when they go home (their countries) their cars are to loaded with secondhand goods.”

Mufamadi said it was clear “these people” were involved in crime.

on Sunday residents elected new Community Policing Forum (CPF) members to try to tackle crime.

“I am afraid, these people (CPF members) will soon be targeted by criminals,” warned Mufamadi.

He said the outgoing CPF members stopped patrolling after they became criminals’ targets .

Three members were shot dead by criminals after returning from their patrol with the police.

“Two weeks ago, I was sitting outside at the brazier with my neighbours at night when seven armed men started shooting at us,” he said.

Mufamadi said one of their neighbours, Lawrance Masokaneng tried to run into the house, but he was shot dead. His other neighbour, Ashley Singo, was also shot in his right arm, while others survived with head injuries.

Mufamadi wants justice after thugs beat him, left him naked, land stole his Nike branded pants and shoes.

Police were told that a list of victims had been compiled by residents, who identified the attackers as a gang of seven armed men.

Another resident, David Chauke, said he was asked to pay “a ransom” to the criminals before he could get his car keys back.

He said the gang of armed men pounced on him and robbed him of his cell phone, cash, car keys and driver’s licence.

Chauke said his phone, which was stolen on Friday, remained switched on Sunday.

He said he had called the thieves who stole his phone to return his car keys and drop them at a marked location where the money would also be left.

The residents have accused the police for not responding promptly when needed. They also claimed the police were afraid of the criminals.

“When we call the police, they tell us to arrest the criminals and call them,” said one of the victims.

Mufamadi said after their horrific incident, he called the police and gave them directions to arrest the criminals.

“They started ringing their sirens from far away, do you think a criminal will wait for the police van?” asked Mufamadi.

Some residents accused foreign nationals of being the ones behind the ruthless attacks.

There were some rumours of a possible breakout of xenophobia.

However, the police remained tight-lipped about any knowledge of possible xenophobic attacks.

Capt Katlego Mogale said: “We are serious about fighting crime, that’s why we are building a police station in the area. Previously people used to travel to Erasmia to report crime but now we are bringing the services to the people.”

The UN has already warned SA to put a lid on xenophobia.