SEBOKENG. – One family member is fighting for his life in hospital after a house in Zone 13 was allegedly set on fire by a jealous boyfriend at around midnight last Friday.
Three residents of the house were unfortunately immediately burned beyond recognition. Mampe Mokoena (44), a stroke sufferer, her daughters Innocentia Mokoena (17) and Lesego Sebe (5) all died in the fire. Lebohang Mokoena, who was five months old, died in hospital a day after the incident while Monzo Mokoena (20) died in hospital on Wednesday morning. Michael Mokoena (63) remains in critical condition in hospital. Police opened an inquest after the incident which has left many in the neighbourhood stunned.
The cause of the fire is still a mystery but neighbours believe that Mampe’s 59-year-old boyfriend is the one who started the fire. Mampe is said to have stayed with the boyfriend for a while at the family house. The neighbours say that the boyfriend was jealous and abusive. “He was always fighting with Mampe for no reason,” says a neighbour. The deceased was apparently on the verge of kicking her jealous lover to the curb – and out of the house. It was said that about a week ago the family had a traditional ceremony and Mampe was among her family members, who are male, and this triggered a fight between the couple.
It is also said that before the house caught fire, the boyfriend’s clothes were already packed as Mampe wanted him out of the house. The boyfriend did not take this very well and started threatening the deceased. Police spokesperson Sergeant Getrude Makhale says that the boyfriend who was said to be on the run was found on Monday by Police in Soweto and he is with Sebokeng SAPS.
“Our detectives are busy with the investigation at this moment. Further information about the case will be shared with the media when thorough investigations have been done. We would like to thank our community and the media for your assistance in this matter,” Makhale ends. The five will be buried this weekend.
mathebula.mdududzi@media24.com
