Strandfontein police are investigating an arson attack after a local fruit and vegetable stall was set alight, allegedly because the owner started selling samoosas.
Owner Waleed Adams, 54, says he has been left devastated and his workers unemployed after the fire which destroyed the wooden stand in Birkenhead Road, that has been around for a decade.
"This started a few months ago when I also started selling samoosas and (the threats) came from another business owner. I just can't believe that people can be so evil. I mean the damages are about R7000 and those working for me now don't have jobs."
He says he packed up his stall as usual on Wednesday night and was at home when he received a call that his stalletjie was on fire.
"A man who works as a security guard at another business came to me and said that they saw a grey or silver VW Polo stop next to the stall and then a fire start and the car sped away but they couldn't get a registration number because it was too dark.
“When I arrived I saw the firefighters were already here and they didn't say what caused it but we found a plastic bottle with petrol inside."
Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, confirms they attended the scene and says they received the call for help at 7.16pm.
"No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is unknown. The fire was extinguished at 7.45pm."
Adams says he reported the fire and the threats to Strandfontein police.
Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirms the case: “The suspects are unknown and yet to be arrested. Strandfontein police are investigating a case of malicious damage to property.”
Sandy Schuter of the Community Police Forum has urged business owners who are being intimidated or threatened to come forward.
"This senseless destruction jeopardises livelihoods and threatens the well-being of our community."
monique.duval@inl.co.za