POLITICS

"It’s war!"' - Daily Sun

"When dirty water disappeared – Michael told Miriam…" - front page lead, July 3 2015

Daily Sun (July 3 2015) - IT’S a war over missing dirty water.

Adulia claims Miriam has stolen her used washing water – and her peace.

MIRIAM WAVES HER FIST AND SAYS SHE HAS NO USE FOR THE DIRTY WATER OR FOR ADULIA!

And a neighbour shakes her head and says even the police haven’t been able to get the warring parties to declare peace.

When Daily Sun went to visit the families in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni yesterday, Adulia Chabalala (29) and her husband Michael Mafa (35) were still arguing with Miriam Maswanganyi (32).

The houses of the two families are separated by only a small yard – and the fight that started in October last year is raging to this day. A month ago the fight got physical and Adulia ended up with a broken wrist.

Adulia and Michael say since that day when Adulia washed their blankets and the water disappeared, life has been hell for them.

“We have sleepless nights. We have things moving in our bed at night,” Michael told Daily Sun.

Adulia said they are a God-fearing family but their prayers are disturbed by noises she claims come from Miriam’s house.

She said when she confronted her neighbour in May to find out why Miriam was doing this, she was assaulted by the angry neighbour, who denied any wrongdoing.

“My wrist was broken. I laid charges against her but nothing has happened to her. She carries on insulting me for no reason.”

Michael said they don’t believe in sangomas but they were desperate and went to a traditional healer who told them the blankets may be cursed.

“It is all just too much for us to handle,” he said. But Miriam said she doesn’t know what her neighbour is talking about. “Adulia wants to be the big boss of the yard. We both rent the yard but she acts as if she owns it,” said Miriam. A neighbour in the yard where the two families live said Adulia and Miriam have been fighting for a long time. “Police are tired of trying to solve their differences. They don’t listen to advice,” she said.

Tembisa police spokesman Captain Jethro Mtshali confirmed that a case of assault was opened at the station and said the suspect was arrested. Mtshali said the suspect is out on bail and police are still investigating the case.

See the Daily Sun’s new website for more on this and other stories....

 

The Daily Sun is South Africa's largest daily newspaper with an average circulation of 274 165 (Audit Bureau of Circulations 2nd Quarter 2014) and a readership of 5.7m (as per AMPS 2012ab). Its Facebook page can be accessed here. It can be followed on Twitter here. To find about advertising on the Daily Sun click here.

Issued through the Politicsweb iService