Things are getting out of control in Hout Bay’s Imizamo Yetho informal settlement, a shack fire claiming three lives last night as violence continues to escalate.

The blaze destroyed three shacks, displacing over 15 people and killing a man, a woman and an unidentified victim. eNCA reports that it may not be directly related to the gang violence:

Witnesses reported smelling petrol and hearing an explosion, there are talks of a petrol bomb.

Residents allege it was a domestic dispute and not related to gang violence.

The shacks that burnt down are directly across from the police station at the circle in Hout Bay.

This follows on from Tuesday’s violence that saw residents seeking refuge in the police station that borders Imizamo Yethu. That same night residents also protested the violence as they took to the streets armed with ‘spears, sjamboks, knives and knobkieries’. More from eNCA:

They say they’re on a mission to drive criminals out the area.

The scene on the streets in Imizamo Yethu — the most crime-ridden part of Hout Bay– appeared chaotic as close to a thousand men went in search of those behind a wave of violent crime that’s hit the area.

Tensions have finally boiled over, and the community is adamant the scourge of crime will come to an end in this area.

To see a video from Tuesday night click the image below and follow the link.

Residents in Hout Bay are advised to be on the lookout for criminal activity and report activity to the police.

The only way to fight crime together is with a connected neighbourhood. OurHood is building a safer, stronger South Africa with their new platform available on desktop and app. Go to ourhood.co.za and sign up now to communicate in real time with your real neighbours.

[sources:enca&enca]