Locals torch tavern, houses and cars near Tzaneen

Two houses, two cars and a tavern were burnt down in Mandlagazi, near Tzaneen, Limpopo police said.

The unrest started on Sunday as locals were disturbed by a murder in the area last week, Lt-Col Moatshe Ngoepe said.

"A man was found dead in his [bedroom] but the motive and suspects on this matter are still unknown at this stage. Unfortunately the community members are now accusing the tavern owner to be responsible," Ngoepe said in a statement.

They torched the man's cars, double-storey house, tavern, and his parents' home. The damage was estimated to be around R4 million.

During the incident, a relative of the tavern owner was assaulted. He sustained serious injuries.

Police have opened cases of public violence, arson, malicious damage to property, and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. No one had been arrested but police were following leads.