As the Lentegeur community continue in their plight to have alleged drug kingpin Fadwaan “Vet” Murphy removed from the area, residents say Murphy has hindered their efforts by opening a case of malicious damage to his property, at the local police station. According to one of the four residents implicated, the case is baseless.

About three weeks ago, angry residents along with representatives of Pagad and police, gathered outside Murphy’s residence in Lentegeur. According to one resident, who wished to stay anonymous, neither Murphy nor his alleged gang associates were prepared to enter into any dialogue with concerned residents when requested to do so.

Residents maintain that they did not resort to any violence on that particular day and there had even been police officials present, who can testify. However, Mitchell’s Plain police confirmed that they are now investigating the matter. In his charge, Murphy claims residents in the area have directed threats to him and his family’s safety. A local tabloid newspaper cited Murphy as a victim to a ‘community mob’.

During the 15 year battle between residents and Murphy, a judge ruled that Murphy should move out of the area to keep the peace. Residents said he left for two years and returned again. Residents believe that Murphy’s charge against residents will contradict that ruling.

Since the case is still being investigated, police have declined to comment. VOC (Ra’eesah Isaacs)