(MISA/IFEX) – According to MISA, the “Mail & Guardian” newspaper reported in its 22-28 May 1998 edition that the offices of three southern Cape newspapers have been burnt to the ground in an apparent revenge attack for reporting on the activities of gangs in the region. The “Mail & Guardian” report stated that the offices […]
(MISA/IFEX) – According to MISA, the “Mail & Guardian” newspaper reported in
its 22-28 May 1998 edition that the offices of three southern Cape
newspapers have been burnt to the ground in an apparent revenge attack for
reporting on the activities of gangs in the
region. The “Mail & Guardian” report stated that the offices of the
“Hangklip Herald”, “Hermanus Herald” and “Gansbaai Herald” were set on fire
on Monday, 11 May 1998. A petrol can was found on the premises after the
fire, which caused about R300,000
(approximately US$58,600) worth of damage.
The three newspapers have regularly run reports on gang activities in the
region. A series of reports by the newspapers’ editor, Dries Vermeulen, led
to the capture of a gang ringleader, while another gang member was arrested
in a house used by the gangs to sell liquor and drugs. However, it is
believed that a report on the killing of a prospective houseowner by a gang
known as the “Rooi Darkies” might have prompted the burning of the newspaper
offices.
The newspapers are still being produced from Vermeulen’s home. Police said
that no suspects had been identified, but that the investigation was
continuing.
