Residents of a Vancouver co-op building are worried after learning a violent offender will be living in their building.
Almost one month ago, we learned that a man accused of attacking a tourist in Vancouver was released from police custody.
After the attack, the BC Prosecution Service said that the suspect, 34-year-old Peterhans Nungu, was released under house arrest conditions. On Tuesday this week, it was revealed that he would be living in Vancouver.
Earlier this month, residents of the Vancouver building where the violent offender will be living launched a petition expressing concerns over safety and suggesting they’re at “serious risk.”
If you missed the original story, a Toronto woman who was visiting Vancouver went viral after she shared a post on TikTok of how she was almost killed on the Stanley Park Seawall.
“I was on the Seawall, just walking,” she said, both eyes visibly bruised.
She added that someone said something to her, and she didn’t know what he said. She claimed that, before she knew it, the suspect charged at her. She believed he was going to kill her.
“He slammed me into the ground.”
Why residents of Vancouver co-op are concerned
A Change.org petition outlines concerns of the building’s residents regarding Nungu.
“We’ve learned that his mother — a current resident of our building — has agreed to host him under house arrest in her unit. This decision places every resident of our Co-op building and surrounding neighbourhood at serious risk, particularly women and children,” the petition states.
The petition also makes some claims about the suspect’s mother, adding to the worries of the co-op’s residents.
“His mother, who has mobility issues, can not walk without aids. She is physically incapable of providing the level of supervision necessary for someone with such a violent history.”
It adds, “This is a call to prevent another tragedy before it happens. We are asking you to sign this petition so it can be sent to our local representatives, law enforcement, and housing authorities. We must protect our families, our neighbours, and our peace of mind.”
The petition has hundreds of signatures so far.
We’ve contacted VPD for a response to the residents’ concerns.