Maungani village outside Thohoyandou has been one of the first mission stations in Vhembe where people were introduced to Christianity.

Despite all this, the area always has shocking and surprising mysteries. Several incidents of witchcraft have been reported in the area in recent years. There is another shocking trend in the village. Three churches have been burnt down so far, and in all instances no one has been arrested in connection with the incidents.

First to be burnt down was the March of Faith Church, followed by the Lutheran Church in 2010. The latest casualty is the Emmanuel Assembly under the leadership of well-known pastor Dr Edward Mmbadi. The church burnt down during the late hours of Saturday evening.

This has left the community in shock, wondering who could be behind all the fires or the reasons for them. Mmbadi, who heads the more than 400-strong church in the area, said he had just returned from a crusade in a neighbouring village when he received a call from neighbours, informing him that the church was on fire.

Mmbadi, who heads a programme known as Iron Sharpens Iron (ISI), which aims to empower pastors from different churches in Limpopo, said he rushed to the church. "It was about midnight and I found that the flames had already devoured the whole church. I called the police and the firefighters, but it was too late and the fire had destroyed the whole church.”

Damage is estimated at nearly R300 000 as 400 chairs, a big tent and almost everything in the church were completely destroyed. Mmbadi said they were thankful that one tent was left at the village where they had had their crusade. Last Sunday’s service was held in the tent.

In an interview, Mmbadi said as a man of God he would not speculate on who could be behind the fire. ''I do not think I have enemies here. We are united as churches here and I chair the Maungani Pastors Forum, which has brought unity and development in churches and the community.” According to him, “this is the work of Satan and evil spirits. The Bible says we are not fighting a physical battle, but one of the spirits in the air. This gives us hope that we will overcome the forces of darkness.”

In the afternoon, pastors from all over Limpopo who had come for the ISI programme, prayed together with Mmbadi and many pledges were made. More than R15 000 has already been raised and, according to Mmbadi, they hope to put up a steel structure before the end of the year. “We are thankful for all the support we are getting from the community and fellow pastors. The devil will never triumph against our God, "he said.

Pastor Rabbi Mutengwe, a youth leader in the area, said it was a puzzle that churches were being burnt one after another. "We have more questions than answers, but we are sure this is the work of Satan. Who else can fight God, if not the forces of darkness?'' he said.

Thohoyandou police spokesperson Const Avhafarei Tshiovhe said that they had opened an arson case. "The cause of the fire is not known at this stage, but our investigations are continuing,'' said Tshiovhe.