Alexandra police are investigating a case of arson following a fire which gutted parts of Madala Hostel in the early hours of 2 October.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Moses Maphakela said the suspect, who allegedly set fire to his room in the hostel, was being treated for burns in hospital and had not been arrested as yet.
According to Maphakela the suspect apparently had a tiff with his girlfriend during the night. The woman sought refuge next door and the man locked himself inside the room and set the curtains and other items on fire, allegedly trying to commit suicide. His neighbours noticed smoke coming from the room and broke down the door to rescue the man. The fire spread to other parts of the hostel.
Another resident, a man between 49 and 60 years old, was said to have run back into the building to retrieve money he kept in his room, but was overcome by smoke and died. His name has not been released as his next of kin had not been informed.
Maphakela said once the investigation and forensic report was complete, the police could add more charges against the suspect, who is believed to be between 45 and 50 years old.
The fire left 150 people homeless with only the clothes on their back.
Ben Nkosi, a resident at the hostel said they tried to douse the fire using a hosepipe that was on the fifth floor, but were unable to stop it so they called emergency services. He said he only managed to retrieve his cellphone and car keys out of his room.
Councillor of Ward 75, Chris Mabunda said he was saddened by the incident. “Domestic violence is the cause of all this,” he said. Mabunda urged couples with problems to seek professional help to avoid such incidents. He called upon community members, sponsors and non-government organisations to assist with anything they could.
Details: Councillor Chris Mabunda 072-316-5415 or 011-021-4821.
