Queen’s house burnt down

Moyahabo Mabeba

LIMPOPO – THE police still need any information that exists regarding a fire that burnt down a house that belonged to the queen of Ga-Phasha Makgalanoto village outside Burgersfort on Sunday, June 21 at around 23:30.
Police spokesperson in the area, Const Mmatlou Setati confirmed that a case of arson was being investigated.
“The house of queen Maria Phasha was set alight and burnt to ashes. The value of the damage caused by the fire is estimated to be approximately R800 000.
“No one was injured in the fire,” Setati confirmed.
One of the royal elders in the village, Jackson Phasha, said the queen was not at home during the fire.
According to Phasha, the attack may be linked to an ongoing dispute among some royal council members over who should cohabit with the queen.
“In line with culture the tribe raised lobola to marry the queen after our traditional leader passed on.
“The queen should bear a son who should be a heir to the tribal throne.
“Culturally we know who the rightful man to enter the queen’s house is, but now there is fierce competition for the task which has led to tension,” said Phasha.
He said recently there was a break in at the same royal house in which a TV set was stolen during the night when the queen was out.
Setati confirmed the incident and said a case of housebreaking and theft was being investigated.
The police in the area appeal to anyone who might have any information which can lead to the arrest of suspects to contact detective commander, Maj Martin Seabi at 082 424 3070 or (015) 615 0201.