The disappearance of a young boy led to the destruction of RDP houses, a tavern and a car over the weekend when residents of Westenburg, Polokwane; police said.

Colonel Ronel Otto said police officers sustained slight injuries and two police cars were damaged when residents pelted them with stones as Limpopo residents ran amok

Lesiba Maphosa, 11, was last seen on Wednesday last week. He was with a friend when he went off with an unknown man who had asked him to help him buy airtime. He never returned home.

Residents accused Maphosa's friend's family of being involved in the disappearance and set fire to their property.

Police rescued the family when their two RDP houses, a tavern, and a car were set alight. They were unhurt.