Five suspects, who were charged with arson for allegedly setting alight a rondavel of the Tshabalala family at Kuruleni outside Mashamba area earlier this year, were acquitted last Thursday.

The trial was finalised at the Louis Trichardt Magistrate's Court. The five accused are Messrs Samuel Riveli, Brian Riveli, William Pataka, Edward Gija and Ms Nomsa Chauke.

Mr Brian Riveli said the community was calm and they welcomed the court ruling. He added that since the family of Charles Tshabalala (28) was evicted from the village by the community, the situation was calm. “There is no crime here anymore,” he said.

Tshabalala is in custody, facing charges of rape, housebreaking, assault and robbery. His family had been staying at the Levubu police station since they were evicted from the village early last month.

One of the community members, Mr Wisani Mabasa, said it was obvious that there was no case. He said the community did not burn the rondavel and the court had ruled on that. “It is true the community members are angry, but we never resolved to burn the house,” he said.