SELOKELO Mphodo (26), originally from Hamanenzhe Village in Limpopo, made his third appearance in the Musina Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 6 September.
He faces charges of allegedly setting fire to gogo Selina Makhado's four-roomed mud hut on Doreen Farm, Musina, Limpopo, on Friday, 25 August.
It's alleged that the incident stemmed from a disagreement over R40 worth of mopane worms, which left the 67-year-old gogo without a home and in distress.
Gogo Selina told Daily Sun that when the time came to settle the debt, Mphodo allegedly responded with insults and anger.
"The young man, fuelled by his drunken state, has left me and my grandchildren without a home, clothes, and a sense of security," she said.
What started as a minor financial dispute turned into a nightmare for the gogo who sells mopani worms and brooms.
"I am left homeless and heartbroken, which has forced me to move and reside with my daughter now, along with my grandchildren. I am still trying to pick up the pieces," she said.
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On his second court appearance on Tuesday, 5 September, the investigating officer did not appear.
Consequently, the court proceedings could not continue because the accused's address had not been verified.
Traditional leader Vhamusanda Vho Thiwelimulambo Rammbuda, who visited the family, inspected the damage in disbelief.
"We have never experienced something like this in this area, especially after he was renting her place.
"I am so touched. I cannot imagine the poor family left with nothing, and this is a shame because she took him as her child," he said.
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, spokeswoman for Limpopo National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said the suspect will appear in court again on 28 September.
"His case has been postponed due to the verification of his address," said Malabi.
