Two women and four children get caught in a house fire
A manhunt was launched for the person who allegedly broke a window and poured petrol in the house before setting it alight.
LIMPOPO – A manhunt was launched after a house with two women and four children inside was set alight in the early hours on Sunday (December 11) morning.
Police investigations are ongoing and the officials say domestic violence cannot be ruled out.
“It is believed that a 29-year-old man believed to be the ex-boyfriend of a 23-year-old mother of two children, aged two months and two years, visited her home that she shares with her cousin and two children aged six and three the day before the fire,” Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed in a statement.
On Saturday (December 10), the man went to the house and got involved in an argument with his ex-girlfriend and left after their heated altercation.
It is reported that an unknown person broke the window of the house in Plange village, Mtiti, at about 01:00 and threw a liquid that is suspected to be petrol into the family’s home.
“The criminal set the house alight and fled the scene before they could be apprehended. Luckily, residents came to the women and children’s rescue once they heard their call for help. Police and emergency services arrived on the scene not long afterwards and the victims were taken to a hospital to treat their wounds,” Ledwaba added.
A case of arson and six counts of attempted murder was initially opened and then changed to a case of arson, five counts of attempted murder and one count of murder after one of the children, Vunene Ngobeni (3) succumbed to her injuries in hospital.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe ordered that the suspect responsible for this horrendous incident be hunted down and brought to book.
“We appeal to community members with information that can lead to the apprehension of the suspect to come forward, ” Hadebe concluded.
As part of the investigation the police ask that Edward Chauke from Gumbani village report to the Malamulele police station or contact the nearest police station as it is believed he will be able to assist in the unfolding investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Detective Commander Colonel Edson Rikhotso on 082 565 7919 or the crime stop number on 086 001 0111 or the nearest police station or use MySAPSApp.
