The Thohoyandou police are appealing to the community to provide them with information that could assist them in solving an arson case that happened a fortnight ago.

The cause of the fire which gutted the house of a well-known traditional leader in Vhembe is still a mystery. African tradition says that lightning does not strike twice in the same place. The saying has no meaning for the local Vondwe traditional leader, Chief Seani Rambuda (50).

In 1990, her four rondavels and royal court were burnt down in an arson attack. It was second time unlucky for her as her mansion was completely burnt down in what is believed to be another case of arson two weeks ago.

On Sunday, the whole yard was abuzz with community and church members who had come to offer their comfort to the chief. A church service, which was conducted by Calvary Christian Church leader, Dr Maxwell Masakona, was held at the house.

Rambuda is head of the female and juvenile correctional centre at Thohoyandou Correctional Services. She is also an elder at Calvary Christian Church.

She said she was busy at a church service when she was called by her daughter, who told her that there was smoke coming from the house. She said she was shocked to find that the fire had already engulfed her main bedroom. "We called the fire services at Shayandima, who only arrived an hour later. I am devastated. I lost everything in the house and I am only left with the clothing that I am wearing," she said.

Capt Mashudu Malelo appealed to the community to continue assisting them with information to determine the cause of the fire.