The family members of the slain Black Mafia Family (BMF) leader, Thivhilaeli Hlungwani, fear for their lives after his multimillion-rand luxury mansion in Muledane Block J was set alight and burned down on Sunday (2nd). The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, around 02:49, while the late BMF leader's mother, Ms Mashudu Tshikororo, and her two children were asleep.
The unknown arsonist, wearing a white overall, sprinkled petrol in the house and then attempted to force the fleeing family back inside as he set it alight. Fortunately, they managed to escape unharmed.
The attack came just three months after the brutal killing of Hlungwani (32) and his girlfriend, Sithonga Xhamla Sabelwe (27), who were shot and killed by unknown assailants. The couple were at a restaurant opposite Thavhani Mall, along the R524 road.
Narrating her harrowing ordeal, Ms Tshikororo said that only by the grace of God had she and her children escaped certain death. "If he (the suspect) had only intended to burn the house down, he could have easily done it by breaking a window, pouring petrol through it, and striking a match from outside. But he was determined to kill me and the children. He entered the house and even poured petrol on me, attempting to push me and the children back inside, but God gave us the strength to escape."
Tshikororo said she did not understand why, after killing her son, they would still want to kill her. "We are not safe. We urge the police to work quickly to apprehend the perpetrators; otherwise, we will remain in danger."
Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that they had opened a case of arson and that a manhunt for the unknown suspect was underway.
Anyone with information that can assist the police in their investigation can contact the investigating officer, Lt Col Ndileni Mphaphuli, at 082 959 7705 or 015 960 1000. Alternatively, they can call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, contact their nearest police station, or visit the MySapsApp.