TUKAKGOMO VILLAGE – In the late hours of April 9 an angry mob torched the Bengwanyama tribal induna, Mr Daniel Mojela alive in front of his family.
The mob was allegedly led by Ms Mayiti Makofane (35), the head of the Roka Phasha Civic Organisation under the jurisdiction of the Roka Phasha Traditional Council.
The two rival Pedi and Swazi traditional council’s feuds regarding the rights to minerals on land in the area have been reported about several times in the past.
The latest feud came after the tribes disagreed as to who the local cemetery belongs to. Makofane and others were arrested on March 23 and charged with intimidation but released on bail. A source told the newspaper that the Roka Phasha’s vandalised the cemetery again upon their release out of prison.
“A meeting about the disagreements between the two was held at the Marebane’s homestead when Makofane and Mojela argued. She then threatened his life,” a source told the newspaper.
According to Burgersfort station commander, Col Richard Madilonga they were called in last Wednesday after a crowd gathered across the road from Mojela’s home and pelted it with rocks. They were dismissed by police and the latter continued to patrol the area.
It is alleged that Makofane and her mob gathered at Mojela’s home again when the police were busy changing shifts. “Makofane ordered Mojela to drink petrol but he refused. She then doused him with petrol and told the mob to set him on fire. He was then ordered to run,” said Madilonga.
Mojela’s family who was inside the house managed to escape after the house was petrol bombed. Mojela later died in hospital after being airlifted to Polokwane.
The mob then went to the house of Mojela’s right hand man, Mr Philamon Mokome (61). “I could hear the Roka Phashas when they were at Mojela’s house. I was scared that they would come to my house and hurt my family.
I ran to a neighbour’s house and ordered my family to stay there. Upon my return I saw hem petrol bombing my house,” said Mokome.
Madilonga said on Monday that a total of 21 people, including Makofane, had been arrested in connection with the incident. They will be charged with arson, damage to property and murder.
