It was second time unlucky for the Mavuyangwa family at Nsimbi village outside Malamulele. This time they lost a young member of their family…

The family had not yet recovered from the shock they suffered when unknown people attacked them earlier this year. Their homestead was gutted during the attack and all their belongings were destroyed, but luckily no one was injured.

However, this time around, the family was not so lucky as they were once again attacked on Saturday evening. They suffered burn wounds while one family member, a 17-year-old Grade 8 pupil at Ngula High School, Tiyani Hofisi Chauke, died a terrible death after being trapped in a burning hut. The hut in which he was sleeping was allegedly doused with petrol and set alight.

The incident has sent the whole community into deep mourning. Also in the hut at the time of the attack were Sydwell Mavuyangwa, Vincent Salani and Nwa-Gija Mavuyangwa. Two family members were discharged from hospital after treatment, but Nwa-Gija is still nursing burns on her legs. Her condition is satisfactory.

Allegations doing the rounds are that Nwa-Gija, who is also a traditional healer, might have made enemies who wanted her dead through her trade. It is believed one of her neighbours had a longstanding feud with her.

Mirror visited the homestead on Wednesday, only to find that the surviving family members had moved to Nthlaveni near the Kruger National Park, where they are said to be busy with preparations for the funeral of the deceased.

One of the neighbours, Simon Gezani Maluleke, said he was sleeping when he heard screams and rushed to the family’s aid.

He said on arrival at the homestead he found that two huts were ablaze. He said in one hut there were Vicent Salani, Sydwell Mavuy-angwa and Tiyani Hofisi Chauke, who died.

Apparently the unlucky Tiyani was not a resident of the village but had come from Ntlhaveni for schooling at the Ngula High School. Tiyani has been staying with his uncle and it is clear that he was not the target of the attack, said Maluleke.

At the time of the earlier attack, Nwa-Gija was away in Phalaborwa.

Tiyani’s schoolteacher, Mr Sugar Maluleke, described him as a focused student who was always ready to do as instructed. He said he was committed to his schoolwork and showed exemplary conduct. “It is a pity we had to lose such a dedicated student in such a barbaric way,” said Maluleke.

Saselamani police spokesperson Insp Norman Matsimbi confirmed the incident. He also said police had arrested a man in his 30’s in connection with the case.

The suspect, Walter Mashaba, a neighbour of Nwa-Gija, appeared at the Saselamani magistrate’s court on Monday. He was charged with murder, arson and attempted murder. Mashaba was refused bail and he remains in custody, pending his next appearance on November 9.