A female neighbourhood watch member was arrested and kept in a prison cell overnight after a suspected drug kingpin opened a case of assault against her.
Well-known crimefighter and community worker, Mymoena Pillay, 56, is alleged to have assaulted a henchman of alleged gang boss and drug merchant Fadwaan “Vet” Murphy at his home in Turksvy Street, Lentegeur.
Mymoena’s family, however, claim she had been ill in hospital for one week, and was recovering at home on Monday when the alleged attack took place, before her arrest on Wednesday.
Police spokesperson, Mihlali Majikela, confirmed a case of common assault was registered.
Mymoena’s daughter, Raafiqah Ganger, said they were shocked by the arrest and will be taking legal action.
“My mother has been ill for some time and was not outside the house. She does not leave the house and these charges are ridiculous,” she says.
“My mother is severely traumatised as she had to spend the night in jail. She was locked up for something she had no part in and her health is suffering.
“We are taking legal advice on this whole incident and will decide what to do from there.”
CHARGES: Fadwaan “Vet” Murphy, 44
Murphy, 44, is facing more than 230 charges in the Western Cape High Court under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca).
His ex-wife, Shafieka Murphy, sister Glenda Bird and four others face 239 charges relating to racketeering, money laundering, drug dealing and charges under Poca and are back in court on Monday.
Pillay and her husband, Ganief, have had previous run-ins with Murphy.
They made cases of intimidation and assault against Murphy and three of his alleged henchmen in 2009.
The Pillays claimed Murphy and his henchmen verbally attacked them outside their Rose Street home, during which his henchmen’s arm was broken.