Cape Town - Strandfontein police are investigating an arson attack on a local fruit and vegetable stall after it was set alight amid threats.
Owner Waleed Adams, 54, said he has been left devastated and his workers unemployed after the fire destroyed the wooden stand in Birkenhead Road on Wednesday night.
Speaking to the Cape Argus while clearing the debris over the weekend, he said he is gutted at the loss.
“This all started a long time ago because I was physically threatened a few months ago by people I don’t want to identify. I have had this stall for over 10 years and quietly run my business for the community of Strandfontein each day.”
He said after packing up his stall on Wednesday, he arrived at home when he received a call saying he should return as it was on fire.
“I had just finished eating and when I arrived I saw the whole thing go up in flames.
“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 just 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, confirmed they attended the scene.
“Fire officers from Ottery fire station attended to the scene and found one food stall alight. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is unknown. The fire was extinguished at 7.45pm.”
Adams said he reported the matter to Strandfontein police, who confirmed they are investigating a case of malicious damage to property.
“I have given all the information about the threats to the police. This started a few months ago when I also started selling samoosas and 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. Luckily I pack up all my produce at night when I leave.”
Police spokesperson, Joseph Swartbooi, said: “According to reports the complainant was at his home when he received a call indicating that his fruit and vegetable stall was alight. Upon arrival he found the fire brigade extinguishing the fire. 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 Policing Forum has urged business owners who are being intimidated or threatened to come forward.
“We strongly condemn the cowardly acts of arson targeting local businesses, leaving families to face immense hardship rebuilding and recovering.”
mahira.duval@inl.co.za
Cape Argus