Helen Laura Snell, former chairperson of the Scott Baviaans Community Improvement District (SEBCID), posted her resignation letter on September 6, 2023. The letter, which referenced but did not name her direct neighbor, ignited a storm of controversy, leading to accusations of defamation and harassment.
In the resignation letter, Snell made a series of statements about the unnamed neighbor, which have been widely criticized as false and defamatory. Despite the inflammatory nature of the letter, neither SEBCID nor its board members took action to address or prevent its dissemination. The situation escalated when an individual identified as “Charlie” shared a photograph of the neighbor on the SEBCID Whatsapp group, leading to a slew of threatening remarks against the neighbor from SEBCID members including from Benjamin Hewett , Andy MacDonald , Raoul Coscias and Elisna Tolmay .
- Benjamin Hewett is on record saying "I have pitchforks and torches" đź”—
- Andy MacDonald is on record saying "That is why wars are started" đź”—
- Raoul Coscias is on record saying "I'll bring the tar and feathers" đź”—
- Elisna Tolmay is on record saying "Mostly I want to klap him..." đź”—
It is extremely harmful for SEBCID members to talk negatively about neighbors in a private group chat because it fosters division, creates a toxic community environment, and can lead to unfair treatment. Negative gossip can escalate conflicts, spread false information, and erode trust among neighbors, ultimately undermining the association's purpose.