Ownership dispute leads to vandalism of farm
It all began in 2011 when Mathebula received approval from the local traditional authority to farm on five hectares of land located on the west side of the village.
Timothy Mathebula of Mnghonghoma village has been battling to keep his farm operational after constant vandalism by an alleged rogue young man claiming the land to be that of his family. After securing permission, Mathebula farmed crops, pigs, and broiler chickens which he supplied to the local community.
However, he had no idea that more than ten years later, another family from the same village would claim the land on which his farm was built. The matter was taken to the local traditional authority for settlement. Fortunately for Mathebula, the matter was later settled in his favour since he had documentation permitting him to farm there.
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However, a young boy from the family that was claiming the land, allegedly refused to accept the decision made by the traditional authority insisting that the land belonged to his family. He allegedly tore down the farm’s fence, vandalised the infrastructure, and threatened to harm Mathebula and his family. Mathebula contacted the police who arrested him, but he was released on bail and allegedly returned to vandalise the farm again. “I even had a restriction order against him, but he returned to vandalise my farm,” explained Mathebula.
“My concern is why he was released on bail knowing that he had violated his initial bail conditions including the court interdict that I had against him?” asked Mathebula. Mathebula again contacted the police and they promised to act, but nothing happened. He alleged that the culprit has “connections at the Giyani Magistrate Court, otherwise, how else would someone that has violated bail conditions be let out again on another bail”, he asked.
After inquiries to various persons, the Herald was eventually referred to the NPA spokesperson, Mashudu Dzhangi, who is yet to respond to an email sent to her. The spokesperson for police in the province, Col Malesela Ledwaba, confirmed that the suspect was a wanted man who had violated bail conditions, but said the police were searching for him.
“I can confirm that we received a complaint from Thimothy Mathebula of Mngongoma. During February this year, the complainant reported a case of malicious damage to property after his farm was vandalised. We therefore opened a case docket,” he explained. “The suspect, known as Guilty Khosa, was then arrested following the complaint, and appeared before court and was released on bail. “The case was remanded to April 18.
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“However, while out on bail, he allegedly again damaged the complainant’s property and another case was opened and registered. “Since then, the suspect had been on the run, and we therefore call upon the community to assist in the event they come across him, by informing the investigation officer, Col Mbalati at 082 565 6491 or the nearest police,” said Ledwaba in his response regarding the matter. The suspect did not show up in court on Thursday, April 18 where he was expected to face charges of vandalism. He said his mother attended the court hearing, indicating that the suspect was sick. The case was postponed to April 29.
