TSHIVHASE – The situation seems to be getting back to normal in the once-troubled area of Tshivhase. For the first time since the havoc that followed the death of youth leader Tendani Lukhwareni three weeks ago, there was normal schooling while workers went to work on clear roads. No incidents of unrest have been reported since Monday this week.

This follows the call by the community leaders, Chief Kennedy Midiyavhathu Tshivhase, PAC provincial leader Maxwell Nemadzivhanani and others, for children to be calm and go back to their schools. Youths who then said they would not go back to school unless those who had been arrested were released, were excited when 68 of their friends were released while 17 others were released on R500 bail each last Friday.

All suspects, including the spokesperson for the Likhwareni family, Mr Thivhonali Ralulimi, and youth leader Avhashoni Nethononda will appear in court again on June 28 this year.

The suspects are facing charges ranging from murder, public violence and malicious damage to property.

The PAC's acting secretary in the province, Mr Nthathedzeni Nicholas Dangale, said they were very happy with the release of the youths. He said the releasing of the youths would now give them a chance to go back to school so that they can continue with their studies.

Meanwhile, Takalani Mathivha, representing the Council of Traditional Healers of South Africa, expressed condolences to the families of the victims of the recent spate of ritual killings in the province. "We further dissociate ourselves from these senseless murders which cast a negative and poor view on traditional healers and the valuable work we do. We are also of the profound belief that the Department of Safety and Security is the only agency in a position to bring these murders to a complete halt, and bring those responsible for these murders to face the full force of the judicial process."