A 33-year-old woman from Tshisahulu Siawoadza, outside Thohoyandou, was arrested and charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to her husband's 16-room double-storey luxury home on Sunday, 24 September. The house, owned by Mr Lutendo Mudau, was said to have been one of its kind in the vicinity, but a burnt-out shell is all that remains.
Mudau and his wife were allegedly in the process of moving into the new house and had already stocked it with new furniture. According to our sources, however, the young couple were not on good terms at the time. He was apparently still in church when his wife called and asked for the keys to the house, which he refused, as they were experiencing differences. The next thing he received was a phone call informing him that his house was on fire.
Vhembe SAPS acting spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident. "A case of arson was opened, and a 33-year-old woman, who is the wife of the house owner, has been arrested in connection with the incident. The woman will appear in court soon," he said.
Community leader Mr Eric Nekhwevha said the incident had left the close-knit community stunned. "This is something we never expected, as we feel there are better ways of solving problems. This was one of the best houses that has put our tiny village on the map. The fact that it was located not far from the main road made it an attraction and symbol of development. It inspired other young people that they can achieve great things in life, but it is gone now. We, as leaders, feel very bad, and our urge to our people is to seek professional help in solving their problems," he said.