By Lungani Zungu
A prominent community activist in Umlazi, Musawenkosi “Cobra” Ngcobo, has gone into hiding after his house was torched by unknown people on Saturday evening.
Ngcobo, 49, who has been fighting for better service delivery for decades, had received chilling death threats after he led a series of marches to the ward councillor’s office.
No one was harmed but the incident has left Ngcobo’s family fearing for his life.
Speaking with Scrolla.Africa in his hiding place, Ngcobo said: “I know that the powers that be want to kill me for standing up against them and calling for better service delivery in the area.”
Recounting the near-fatal incident, Ngcobo said it was around 9 pm when his house was petrol-bombed.
The arsonists allegedly stood outside for a few minutes before speeding away in a car with no registration plates when the community heard the commotion.
Ngcobo said he gathered his family in one bedroom and frantically called one of his neighbours.
One bedroom was completely gutted, and another partially destroyed.
Ngcobo opened a case,and fled with his family, leaving vacant a house he had been living in for more than four decades.
Without mentioning names, Ngcobo said he knew that the people who wanted him dead were in public office.
“I am not running away. I want to sort out my family first then return to the struggle again,” he told Scrolla.Africa.
Among the issues that led to Ngcobo organising marches were the lack of water for people who lived in informal settlements.
Scrolla.Africa visited Ngcobo’s house in Umlazi U section and found no one except the neighbours, who declined to talk for fear of being targeted.
“The situation is very tense here at the moment following what happened to Ngcobo on Saturday. Next they will start killing us,” said a neighbour who spoke strictly on condition of anonymity.
The police confirmed the incident and said investigations were still underway.
Pictured above: Community activist Musawenkosi Ngcobo’s house was left like this after it was torched by unidentified people
Picture source: Lungani Zungu
