A loan dispute in Waterloo, KwaZulu-Natal, escalated into arson after a neighbour allegedly set fire to a vehicle over a R200 debt.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), a woman from Waterloo contacted them on Sunday morning, 29 June 2025, to report the incident and request help in locating the suspect.
Verulam SAPS registered the case under CAS 491/06/2025.
Threats Made Over Loan Repayment
The woman said her neighbour, a South African man, arrived at her home on Saturday while she was with her three minor children.
He demanded the R200 he had loaned to her husband and allegedly pointed a firearm through a wooden door, threatening to shoot.
Fearing for her family’s safety, she called her husband, who immediately repaid the loan.
Car Set Alight After Midnight Confrontation
The man returned around 00:30 on Sunday and allegedly tried to force his way into the house. Shocking the family, who had believed the matter was resolved.
When the occupants called the police, the suspect walked to a red VW Jetta parked outside. Smashed the window and set the car alight before fleeing.
Investigation Underway
The fire extensively damaged the vehicle.
RUSA confirmed that its operations centre has the suspect’s image and will release it once authorised by the investigating officer.
Do you think disputes like this show the need for better conflict resolution in communities?
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