PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Eight families arrived home from work to find their houses along with all their belongings in cinders. On Tuesday, December 14, eight homes were burned to the ground. These homes were constructed of timber and built very close to each other; the fire spread in no time.

It is alleged that, following an incident of domestic unrest and violence the previous weekend, police had suggested that the boyfriend buys his girlfriend a bus ticket to go home to her family. Police allegedly suggested that it would be a good idea for the couple to separate for a while in order to reconsider their relationship. Apparently, when the boyfriend left the shared home to purchase a bus ticket, the girlfriend set the house alight. She managed to escape without suffering serious injury. However, a young girl allegedly suffered serious injury and is currently being treated at the Knysna hospital.

Rumour among residents has it that the male had placed a curse on the female, and that this had driven her to set herself alight. This incident raised concerns about the danger of basing too much of one’s well-being on the emotional states of others. Some Quolweni residents say that domestic upheaval and violence are common occurrences in their community, and that there is not much police can do about it because couples fight and make up again within hours. It appears that the traditional family unit is virtually non-existent in these areas and that the majority of people are co-habitating, or heading single-parent households. It is also believed that rampant alcohol abuse is a definite factor in the demise of traditional community life and values.

The people who lost their homes are currently being sheltered at the local community hall and at the homes of friends. The alleged arsonist is said to be in police custody. Neither the police nor the hospital was available for comment at the time of going to press.

ARTICLE: CANDICE LUDICK


The smoldering remains of a feuding couple’s home.