DAVHANA - The legal battle between the Davhana community, near Elim, and Engen Petroleum/Soutpansberg Petroleum came to an end last Friday afternoon, when the three victims and the family of the person who died in the incident, received their compensation cheques.

The three victims, Azwidowi Mukwevho (23), her younger brother Khakhathi Siaba (15), Welleminah Malisha (41) and the family members of the late pensioner Nyamulambilu Munyai Mathivha, where finally given their cheques at Univen Legal Aid Clinic offices, after waiting for compensation for almost a year.

Engen Petroleum/Soutpansberg were engaged in a long legal battle with the community members demanding that the two companies should compensate the victims and the family members of the people who sustained injuries because of the flammable contaminated paraffin that exploded late in 2000.

As a result, Mathivha died from the serious wounds sustained in the incident, while Mukwevho survived serious wounds she sustained to her face and body. Her younger brother Siaba and Malisha also sustained injuries.

After many protests, the petroleum companies who were represented by Myburgh Incorporated offered the victims R250 000. As a result, Mathivha's family was given a cheque of R84 247, 80 while Mukwevho received R80 566, 60, Malisha R40 692, 30 and Siaba R29 793, 30. The balance was used to pay legal costs.

On behalf of his team, Sam Negota, the leader of Univen Legal Aid Clinic said he was happy about their achievement, which he said was a testing trial for them. "This issue came as a challenge to us and we succeeded. This was not an easy job. We are proud that we have proved that we are not second grade lawyers, as many think," said Negota.

Mr Lazarus Mathivha, the husband of the late Nyamulambilu Mathivha, said that he was happy about the support they received from both media and community, more especially George Ramashia who led the campaign, to fight for compensation and Univen Legal Aid Clinic. Although he admitted that the money was not worth the life of his wife, Mathivha said that he was happy that at least something was done.

Mukwevho, who sustained serious injuries, said that she never thought the case would be won against the petroleum giants.