Durban – A rent dispute in Waterloo, north of Durban, allegedly escalated into gunfire on Sunday after a landlord reportedly chased a tenant and fired a shot during a confrontation over unpaid rent.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa, members of the tenant’s family contacted emergency responders after witnessing the landlord pursuing the tenant on the property.
The family reportedly heard a gunshot moments later and immediately requested assistance.
Members of Reaction Unit South Africa responded to the scene and found the tenant unharmed.
The tenant told officers that he had recently lost his job at a call centre and had fallen behind on rental payments amounting to R3,500.
According to his account, the landlord confronted him over the outstanding rent, chased him and allegedly discharged a firearm in his direction.
Reaction Unit South Africa said the landlord is a Zimbabwean national. The tenant is a South African citizen.
The tenant alleged that a spent cartridge casing was removed from the scene before the landlord fled prior to the arrival of responders.
The man further indicated that he is due to begin a new job on Monday and plans to settle the outstanding rent once he receives his first salary.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged shooting are under investigation. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any arrests have been made.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
