The families from Gumbu village, accused of being involved in the assassination of the traditional leader, Vhamusanda Vho-Takalani Andries Gumbu at his home on Sunday, 12 February, are being kept in a place of safety in Polokwane after their houses and cars, as well as a police van, were burnt down by some community members.
Gumbu was ambushed when entering his home on the day of the incident and shot several times. After his funeral on 18 February, some of the residents ran riot, setting fire to the suspects' houses and cars. Altogether nine families were left destitute and were traumatised by the events. Their belongings were also destroyed. They are pleading with the community to open their hearts and help them with any form of donation, so they can start to rebuild their houses.
One of the victims, Mr Mahwasane Mudzweda, said he had thankfully not been home when the angry crowd came to his house. He believes his house was simply burnt down out of spite and jealousy because he was progressing in life. "They would have killed me for nothing if they had found me," he said.
Another victim, Ms Eunice Mukwevho, who is a local farmer, was terribly upset about the mob's actions, saying they had had no reason to burn her house down. "My family and I had lost everything in the fire, and by everything, I mean that we are left with only the clothes we are wearing," she said.
The media liaison officer for the Department of Social Development, Mr Joshua Kwapa, confirmed that his department is keeping the victims in a safe place, with social workers who work closely with them.
Provincial police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo condemned the incident and confirmed the arrest of 19 suspects, who were charged with malicious damage to property and arson. He said that 17 of these suspects had been released on R1 500 bail, while two had been released on R3 000 bail.
The case was postponed to 12 April for further investigation.