LIMPOPO – The residents of Mafukani near Matavhela are gripped with fear and concern following the reported poisoning of animals, including cattle and dogs, in their village. This unsettling situation has not only left the community mourning the loss of their beloved pets, but has also raised fears for their own safety.

Over the weekend, the community discovered the bodies of approximately 16 dogs, suspected to have been poisoned.

Thathani Tapela, a resident of Mafukani, expressed the prevailing sense of unease, emphasising the difficult circumstances faced by villagers amid these incidents.

Tapela recounted how tensions escalated after three dogs attacked a goat belonging to another villager, resulting in threats of retaliation if the dog owners did not seek forgiveness.

Tapela voiced the community’s apprehension, stating, “We don’t want to be killed like our dogs and cattle.”

These sentiments were echoed by Ndavha Rakhadani, another resident, who, despite losing several goats to dog attacks, denied any involvement in the alleged poisoning.

Rakhadani emphasised the devastating impact of these incidents on his livelihood, having invested in cattle farming as a means of combatting poverty and unemployment in the village.

The traditional leader of Mafukani, Vhamusanda Nndileni Nemafukani, confirmed the deaths of 16 dogs and expressed grave concern over the recent deaths of five cattle, suspected to be linked to poisoning. While investigations are ongoing, the community remains on edge, grappling with the uncertainty surrounding these tragic events.

Nkhetheni Philip Rakhadani, an unemployed small-scale farmer deeply affected by the loss of his cattle, recounted the distressing sight of finding five of his animals unconscious near the grazing veld.

His aspirations of building a livelihood through cattle farming have been shattered.

As the community awaits answers and justice for the victims, the shadow of fear looms large over Mafukani, prompting calls for swift action.