In the wake of a seven-year-old Ocean View child being shot and killed, community members went on a rampage, petrol-bombing the houses of five suspected drug merchants in the area.
And just hours before little Emaan Solomons was laid to rest on Thursday, cops arrested two men for her murder.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa, confirmed two suspects aged 19 and 27 were arrested and charged: “They are expected to appear in the Simon’s Town Magistrates’ Court today.”
It’s believed the suspects are members of the Junky Funkies gang.
Emaan’s tiny body was carried into her father Azmir Oosthuizen’s council flat in Evelyn Court where more than 300 residents attended the janaazah.
EARTBREAK: Body of Emaan Solomons carried at janaazah yesterday. Picture: Tracey Adams/African News Agency (ANA)
The child’s grandmother, Geraldine Solomons, was inconsolable as her grandchild arrived, with a green cloth draped over her.
She was laid to rest at the Simon’s Town cemetery.
Azmir, 30, told the Daily Voice how he had rushed to Libra Way where Emaan lived with her mom, Nicole Solomon, 32, after hearing she was shot on Tuesday.
Emaan had been playing outside with her friends when s kollies ran into the road and opened fire.
Thursday the area was tense, and members from Law Enforcement and SAPS were on high alert following the burning of five houses in Apollo, Libra and Scorpio roads.
Angry mob sets homes of suspected drug merchants alight
It is alleged that members of Pagad arrived in Ocean View and went bos on Wednesday night.
Chants of “Allah hu Akbar” can be heard on videos of the attacks. The attacks came after a vigil for Emaan was held outside her home, where Muslims prayed.
However, a spokesperson for the People Against Gangsterism and Drugs, Abeedah Roberts says they are not responsible for the attacks.
Sonia Alexander, a neighbour whose home was also set alight, admits her son used to s mokkel but that he stopped: “We are being blamed because the one gangster ran into our home after Emaan was shot, but that is not true.
VIGILANTE VICTIM: Sonia Alexander
“During the vigil, a relative of the child kept pointing to our home. I was preparing myself to give a statement to police, but how can I do that now, when my home is burnt?
“Yes, my son used to smokkel but not anymore.”
In Apollo Street where another alleged pela pos was petrol-bombed, Julia Afrika claimed they were innocent and have been left homeless: “My children have no school clothing.”
Emaan’s maternal oupa, Ronnie Solomons, says some people believed his family was behind the arson attacks but denied the accusations.
IN MEMORIAM: Ma Nicole Solomon
Jermaine Carelse of the City’s Fire and Rescue unit says they responded to calls for help at 01.25am on Thursday.
He says firefighters doused flames at homes in Apollo Way and Scorpio Road.
He says while fires were reported in Alpha Street, firefighters were advised by cops not to enter “as the area was extremely volatile”.
ARSON ATTACK: Angry mob sets homes of suspected drug merchants alight
A resident who asked not to be identified says they are happy that justice is finally being served after they warned merts to shut down on Sunday: “Those houses were pela posse and it’s about time this happens because tomorrow it is another child.
“Now they can see that we are serious. We are tired of the bloodshed.”
FAREWELL DEAR CHILD: Emaan Solomons draped in green cloth. Picture: Tracey Adams/African News Agency
Police have confirmed that they have opened a case of arson for the fires in Ocean View.
The Anti-Gang Unit, Law Enforcement and other crime-fighters are patrolling in Ocean View to help keep the peace.
genevieve.serra@inl.co.za