/ 22 March 2007

Soweto rats launch attacks from vintage cars

Eleven vintage cars were confiscated in Soweto after huge rats breeding in them started attacking passers-by, Johannesburg metro police said on Thursday.

”It’s an unusual complaint,” said Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar. ”We’ve had to deal with vicious dogs before, but not with rats.”

Minnaar said about 25 ”huge, huge rats” were breeding in vintage cars in Nare Street in Emdeni, Soweto.

”The officers responded to a complaint from members of the public that there were rats that had tried to attack them when they were walking past.”

No injuries were reported, he said.

The owner had inherited the vehicles, which included old Chevrolets and Fords, from his father. He will now have to pay the city R525 per vehicle in pound fees.

The Johannesburg municipal health department has offered to help the man get rid of the rats, Minnaar said. — Sapa