Durban - Security had been increased in Cape Town's Ocean View area following the torching of four houses late on Wednesday night, provincial police said on Thursday.

According to South African Police Service (SAPS) Western Cape spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa, patrols in the area were being undertaken by the anti-gang unit, public order police, national intervention unit, police from neighbouring stations, as well as the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement officials.

Potelwa said the houses were set alight by a group of unidentified individuals, and that cases of arson had been opened.

It has been alleged that the homes were torched in retaliation for the death of seven-year-old Emaan Solomons, who was caught in gang-related crossfire on Monday.

Potelwa said two men, aged 19 and 27, had been arrested in connection with the child's killing and were set to appear in the Simon's Town Magistrate's Court on Friday.