TSHILULU – Mr Tshibuleni Tshivhule’s childhood dream of owning his own house was nearly shattered when vandals destroyed his five-roomed house, which was still under construction.

Tshivule (34) could not believe his eyes on Friday morning when he went to check the progress of the house, only to find that it had been destroyed with iron bars, which were still scattered on the ground.

The heartbroken Tshibuleni told Mirror: “The house was constructed up to the window level when I left a day before. It was fortunate that the door and window frames had not yet been installed, otherwise they would have also taken them away. I don’t know who did this to me because I have acquired the land legally from the Ravhura Royal Council. I believe these are jealousy people who do not want to see me prosper. I worked very hard to save money to build my house but everything was reduced to the ground in only one night.”

Tshibuleni said the damage cost him approximately R10 000 in material and the money paid to the constructors.

“Although I was still buying more material, I had already spent R8 000 on bricks, cement and sand. I had already paid R2 000 to the constructors and I feel this a great loss to me. I think if there is someone who differs from me in opinion, it is better to speak to me peacefully than to engage in destroying my hard-earned property. I will never stop building this house and I am going to start again in a few days’ time because it is my right to own a house. I will not rest until the culprits have been arrested and brought to book so that others can learn that it is important to respect someone’s property.”

Mr Abel Vhuisani Nethathe of the Ravhura Royal Council confirmed to Mirror that Tshibuleni legally acquired the land and there are papers that can prove that he has the right to use the land.

Nethathe continued: “He came and informed us about the damage because we are the ones who gave him the land. We advised him to take the matter further to the police. As leaders of this local community, we strongly condemn this type of behaviour because it is uncalled for, barbaric and unacceptable.”

A case of malicious damage to property was registered at Thohoyandou SAPS, but no arrest has been made at the time of going to press.