TSHITANGANI - About ten families of Tshitangani, about 57km from Thohoyandou, were left homeless, when a fire burnt their huts to the ground last Monday.

The traditional leader in the area, Mr Reuben Rasikhinya, said that the fire started in an orchard near Lake Fundudzi. He said that the fire got out of hand and the two men who were in the orchard could not control it. It then spread to the scatted families of Tshitangani.

A pensioner, Mr Samuel Ramagoma, was burnt when he was trying to rescue his identity document from his blazing hut and he was taken to the Siloam Hospital for treatment. The Ramagoma family had five huts and the fire left them homeless, and without food or blankets. His son, Avhapfani Ramagoma, lost three huts and his donkeys were burnt. Only one donkey has survived the ordeal.

The Thulamela disaster team has provided the victims of the fire with mealy meal, beans and a tent, but all the fire victims said that they need the government to build RDP houses for them. They also said that the municipality is not providing enough food to the affected people.

Mr Ntavhanyeni Neudane (68) has been staying at the Tshitangani village from 1968 and he said he has never experienced a situation like that. He looked on when his four huts were blazing and he was left with only the clothes he was dressed in.

The principal of Tshitangani Primary School, Mr Prince Muzhedzi, said that learners are allowed to attend classes without uniforms, because several have lost their uniforms in the blaze.

Mr Azwifarwi Rammbuda lost three huts and his two sons, Fhatuwani and Nditsheni, learners at Jack Lavhengwa Secondary School, also lost all their clothes. Mr Gideon Muedi lost only one hut, but all books, clothes and uniforms were damaged.

During an assessment, the Thulamela disaster committee found out that the village had lost twenty-seven huts amongst ten families.

Mr Petros Mulidzi lost all five of his huts and an amount of R2 800 was destroyed. He is now dwelling in a one-roomed hut with six children.

Captain Ailwei Mushavhanamadi confirmed that the Thohoyandou police have arrested two suspects in connection with the incident. He estimated the damage to be in the region of R100 000.

Mushavhanamadi also confirmed that the fire from the orchard had damaged two hectares of the state plantation.