North West MEC for Economic Development, Conservation, Environment and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, has launched an investigation into the recent violent incident in Hartbeespoort, where properties were set alight.
Racial accusations have surfaced, alleging Afrikaans-speaking individuals attempting to drive out black people and business owners from the area.
The Star previously reported that a raging racial war had intensified in the Schoemansville community of Hartbeespoort.
Two black-owned properties were allegedly set on fire recently in the area that is predominantly white, however, had attracted a number of people from previously disadvantaged communities to start businesses, causing racial tensions from some of the white communities.
Ugly racial confrontations have since been the order of the day with the latest victim, businessman, Thabiso Mathibedi, losing his resort after it was allegedly burnt down in a case of arson.
Speaking to The Star on Tuesday, Lenkopane assured that the incident was under police investigation and emphasised the need for perpetrators to face justice.
“We are trying to support those that lost their properties. I have personally spoken to the owner… Those that are burning people’s establishments must be brought to book,” she said.
Lenkopane also highlighted ongoing transformation efforts in the area, including the return of 400 hectares of land to the black community and a R70 million investment in development.
Hartbeespoort Dam is a key tourist attraction, ranking third in the province, with the area seeing significant post-pandemic recovery.
To reinforce tourism safety, Lenkopane’s department will collaborate with Community Safety and Transport authorities.
“We will support those who lost properties and ensure that justice is served,” Lenkopane stated. “Those who have transgressed the law must be brought to book, regardless of racial motivations.”
The department will provide relief to affected businesses and work with municipalities to strengthen by-laws and resolve disputes peacefully, she said.
Meanwhile, another businessman Hartley Ngoato nearly died, years ago, allegedly at the hands of four white male people in a racially motivated incident.
In a separate incident, Ben Graham Van Der Sandt, had pointed at him with a gun after another alleged altercation.
Van Der Sandt was found guilty and was due to be sentenced on Tuesday, however, the case was postponed.
Speaking to The Star on Tuesday, Ngoato said: “Justice delayed is justice denied. Unfortunately, certain processes take longer, but it becomes sweeter when the process comes to an end… this process from 2018 has come to an end. We need to deal with this racism one by one so they learn their lesson.
“My house is on a slope on the upper side and he is on the lower side. So water would come on and go down to his house when it rains… so he decided to block water from the black man’s yard to cross over into his yard.
“One unfortunate day a tree from his yard was protruding into my yard and damaging my yard and then I cut it. But he then took his gun and pointed it at me, threatening to kill me… so I laid a charge of pointing a firearm.
He was found guilty on the August 21, 2024, and he is about to be sentenced on October 21 after postponement.
In a text message seen by the publication, Van Der Sandt threatening Ngoato after his conviction wrote: “Just wanted to say: Congratulations, you won. Give the devil its due, you played a superior game and you won…well done.”
The Star
mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za