Put out your flames, plead community
“I saw a little flame in the field, next to an ant hill where parts of it were cut out. There were needles, letters and more here, so we strongly suspect someone performed rituals,” said Piet
In open parts of municipal ground at Seekoeiwater plots, Piet Wassenaar and his team put out flames after rituals were done. This was on Wednesday, May 30 around 17:30 after he went to check on a water leak being fixed on a nearby bridge.
“I saw a little flame in the field, next to an ant hill where parts of it were cut out. There were needles, letters and more here, so we strongly suspect someone performed rituals,” said Piet.
He added that last year only, they had to stop 18 veld fires, where at least one of them originated in this way. He said that he is grateful that there was no wind or the flames would have spread to other parts of the field.
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“I have asked residents in the area to keep an eye out for passing vehicles or people that might do this and to report it to me, in order to maintain more information. The residents did mention that they saw a vehicle in the field earlier, but could not identify it,” Piet added.
Kingdom Mabuza, municipal spokesperson said that the Emalahleni Local Municipality respects different beliefs and religions which exist. He continued by saying:
Open flames left in a field.
“We can not support and accept when any belief and religion result in putting the lives of residents in danger. Municipal bylaws state explicitly that no open fire is allowed, it is even worse when nobody is monitoring that fire. We would like to make a special appeal to Sangomas to adhere to reasonable practices when they perform their rituals. It cannot be part of their ritual to leave a burning candle unattended. In the event that residents come across similar situation, they are requested to contact our law enforcement unit on 013-690-6222/333/444.”
A member of the Sangoma association was contacted and she ensured feedback regarding the incident as soon as it is available.
