The conflict between the South African Civic Organization (Sanco) and community members, including the headman, is getting out of hand, as the house of the deputy-chairperson of Sanco, Mr Joshua Nemalili, was damaged in a petrol bomb attack at Mandala Village east of Thohoyandou last Monday.

Fortunately, the petrol bomb did not explode.

Apparently the tension rose after the civic organisation in the area discovered that there is mismanagement of the R5 funeral compensation money in the village.

Mr Nemalili said that the window of his house was damaged at about midnight, when he was asleep. He added that when he woke up, he found that his house had been smashed and there were empty bottles of cold drink on the ground. Nemalili also indicated that a person threatened to kill him during a quarrel in front of his gate, a day before the incident.

According to the chairperson of Sanco in the area, Mr Tshililo Mukhaninga, the tension rose after Sanco suggested that the R5 be paid to and administered by Sanco. Mukhaninga added that people had to accept changes made by the new dispensation, where the community must get reports from the administrators of the money that they fork out from their pockets. "We need openness and feedback on whatever is happening in this village. We must also work together. The headman must also listen and respect our organization," Mukhaninga emphasized.

One of the community members, who was allegedly also threatened by the suspects, said that his gate was damaged as well last year, and he reported the case at the Siloam Police Station but nothing happened.

Khosi Vho-Dzumbuluwani Tshivhase dismissed claims that he was involved in the deeds and that he was mismanaging the community´s money. The spokesperson of Chief Vho-Kennedy Tshivhase, Mr Tshifhiwa Tshikosi, acknowledged that the conflict came to the attention of the chief and the matter will be resolved very soon. Tshikosi outlined that a meeting will be arranged between the chief, community members and Sanco to discuss the conflicts in Mandala.