Chavani family pleads for help after unexplained fires destroy home
After repeated fires gutted their home, the Chavani family now lives outside with no food or clothing and begs for assistance.
LIMPOPO – A family of nine from Chavani village in the Makhado Municipality, has been left devastated after what they referred to as “mysterious fires” repeatedly broke out in their 10-room home, destroying the property and leaving them with nothing.
Once a well-off family, they now sleep on the verandah of their destroyed house, without food, blankets or clothing. The repeated, unexplained fires have caused the family to lose most of their belongings, including R6 000 in cash, they told CV. With no answers or relief in sight, they are appealing to members of the public for assistance.
The emotional toll on the family has been significant, with close relatives offering moral support, though all remain deeply affected.
Some members of the family now fear that a spell or curse may be behind the recurring fires.
Their experience mirrors those of families in the Vhembe region – including in Makongoza, Kutama, Tshiozwi, Lwamondo, Shayandima and Phaphazela – who reported similar unexplained fires in the early 2000s.
According to Sibongile Balayi, a member of the household, the ordeal began on May 18 while the family was gathered in the lounge.
“We were sitting on the sofa when we smelled smoke. When we checked one of the rooms, the clothes and bed were already on fire. Moments later, smoke came from another room where the furniture, clothes and food were also on fire.”
Balayi said they could do nothing but watch as the fire consumed their possessions. “We are now pleading with people to keep us in their prayers and to help if they can,” she added.
The family received some comfort on June 3 when Makhado Mayor Dorcus Mboyi visited them and delivered food parcels and blankets.
South African National Civic Organisation representative Gladwin Madia, confirmed that community structures are discussing the situation.
Several local residents have already visited the home to offer prayers.
“This family is going through a very tough time. They need counselling and real support. We urge anyone who can help to come forward before the house is completely destroyed. Strangely, even when they go outside, the fire seems to follow them back inside,” Madia said.
Mbulaheni Neluvhola, general secretary of the Limpopo Traditional Health Practitioners’ Association, said an investigation would be launched to determine whether any of their members might be linked to concoctions or practices capable of causing such fires.
