The issue of mysterious fires in Mapuve near Giyani has taken a new twist after villagers burnt down two houses belonging to a local pastor.

The community accuses the pastor of being behind the fires that have gutted 14 houses in the past fortnight.

The pastor, Thomas Rikhotso, 69, had his two houses petrol-bombed on Wednesday night after villagers accused him of practicing witchcraft.

Though police were still investigating the real cause of the mysterious fires, villagers were allegedly convinced that Rikhotso was behind the destruction of their properties.

A decision was allegedly taken during a community meeting on Wednesday that Rikhotso’s houses should be burnt down to avenge the loss of their houses.

Said Rikhotso yesterday: “My children informed me that a community meeting had resolved to burn my houses. I alerted the police about the impending danger, but when they arrived at night it was already too late.”

Rikhotso accused the police of not taking the threats against him and his family seriously.

“I’m not responsible for burning the houses in the village. People should believe me. I have nothing to do with it,” he said.

It is not yet known who or what caused the fire.

Inspector Thomas Makhubele of the Giyani police confirmed that they had opened an arson case and that investigations were continuing.