Shock and grief hang over Tshisahulu village after a 44-year-old man allegedly set his family home alight during a drunken rampage, dying in the blaze while his elderly mother narrowly escaped.
The incident occurred shortly after 01:00 on Friday, 12 June.
According to community members, Lutendo Nemuhuyuni arrived home intoxicated and demanded money from his elderly mother to buy more alcohol. When she told him she had none, he allegedly threatened to burn her alive.
Moments later, the threat was carried out.
Vhembe police spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident, saying Nemuhuyuni allegedly opened a gas cylinder inside the house and set the property alight.
“He was later heard screaming for help as flames engulfed the family home. His mother rushed out to seek assistance from neighbours, but by the time help arrived, it was too late. The house and all its contents had been reduced to ashes. Nemuhuyuni died in the blaze,” said Dathi.
Residents said it was not the first time the deceased had displayed disturbing behaviour. Several years ago, he allegedly attempted to take his own life by hanging but survived. Three years ago, he reportedly set his own vehicle alight, claiming it was too old and that he had millions of rand to replace it – wealth residents say did not exist.
Community leader Thomas Rambuwani described the incident as one of the darkest moments in the village’s history.
“The loss is too much. We are talking about a life lost in fiery flames and an 18-roomed house worth hundreds of thousands destroyed. We do not even know how the family will cope,” he said.
Rambuwani said residents held an impromptu mass meeting over the weekend and agreed to establish a disaster relief fund for the affected family.
“We have agreed that every household will contribute R20. It may not compare to what the family has lost, but it will go a long way in easing their burden,” he said.
Meanwhile, Thohoyandou police have opened an inquest docket.
“Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the investigating officer, Constable Talifhani Makhuvha, on 082 469 1397. Police investigations continue,” Dathi said.