UPDATE: Soldier’s petrol was ‘meant for trip, not murder’

The fuel suspected to have been used to start a fire that killed three people in Mhluzi was booked out for an official trip, Middelburg Observer reports.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect booked out two containers of fuel, consisting of 25 litres each.

After the fire, only one container was found inside the minibus. It had very little fuel left inside.

The 44-year-old suspect is a soldier from 4 South African Infantry Battalion in Middelburg. He has since been placed under police guard while recovering from 48% burn wounds in hospital.

READ MORE: Mother and daughters burnt to death shortly after army boyfriend comes to visit

Crime scene

An eyewitness recalled talking to the soldier, whose girlfriend lived next door to him, on the fatal night, and shortly after their conversation, the fire broke out.

Residents attempted to douse the flames, but could not save the three women. They have since been identified as Eunice Mokoana, 39, Hlalifang Mokoana, 17, and Karabo Seopela, 9.

The soldier later claimed that he sustained burn wounds while trying to assist his girlfriend who was struck by lightning.

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– Caxton News Service