/ 11 April 1999

PREMATURE BURIAL

NORTHERN Province police and social workers have reacted in horror to a 50-year-old man’s decision to be buried alive on May 29 next month. Ratshilumelo Samson Mudzunga of Shanzha village in Thohoyandou is protesting against being charged for burning down a headman’s kraal and home in nearby Tshiavha two years ago. He is also angry that his brother never told him their mother had died at the age of 110 in January while he was behind bars on the arson charges. He has since been released on R5000 bail and his case has been remanded to April 21. Forty-five days after his appearance, however, he plans to be buried alive and his best friend, Richard Ramadolela, has already arranged entertainers for the funeral.