MANDALA - Three members of the Phidza family, who were cold bloodedly killed by unknown suspects at their home in Mandala Village a fortnight ago, were buried at the Tshikombani Cemetery on Sunday.

The deceased, Tshililo Phidza (mother), her children Tendani (7) and Dakalo (1), were chopped to death by the unknown suspects at Mandala Village. The other children, Ndivhuwo (10) and Vhutshilo (12) were left half dead after an un-known suspect bludgeoned them with a sharp object in their room.

The motive behind the horrific killings could not yet be established.

The three deceased were laid to rest at the Tshikombani commentary with the help of the Thulamela Municipality and the Maeteko Funeral undertakers.

Mr Ndwamato Tshiila, spokesperson of the Thulamela Municipality, said the killing was a disaster. He added that the municipality stepped in by providing three cof-fins, tombstones and food parcels to the tune of R30 000.

The Chairperson of the Mandala Civic Association, Mr Tshililo Mukhaninge, said they have opened a trust fund, the Phidza Family Trust. This trust was opened at the ABSA bank in Makhado, (branch code: 334149) and the account number is 9137965988.

“This is the first incident of this nature at Mandala and we are encouraging people with information to contact the police at Siloam for the speedy arrest of perpetrators,” he added.

Mayor Thivhulawi Makumbane of the Thulamela Municipality appealed to people who have information to report to the police. The mayor said it is sorrowful to see the whole family cold-bloodedly killed.

The survivors Ndivhuwo and Vhutshilo Phidza are still in critical condition in Polokwane Hospital.