THE BARRAGE. – Police Spokesperson, Warrant Officer Simon Mofokatsane, says that police are investigating a case of arson after a home was mysteriously burned down recently on a plot in The Barrage near Vanderbijlpark.
Mofokatsane says that the owner of the home, Adeline Tshabalala (60) – popularly known as Mampinga, said that she had asked her son, Oupa Tshabalala (20), to look after the house while she made a trip to the shops.
Upon her return, Mampinga saw flames coming from her house. She stopped to ask a man who had been herding cattle in the area if he had seen how the fire started. The man said that he had seen Mampinga’s son, Oupa, carrying a plastic bag, fleeing from the scene.
“The man further told Mampinga that he alerted Oupa that the house was burning to which he responded that he does not care.”
Mofokatsane said that the culprit had been arrested for stealing asbestos before and had spent three days in jail.
“The matter was heard and postponed for further investigation.”
Mofokatsane states that because of the distance between properties on the plots, it was very difficult to get eyewitnesses who would attest to what really happened.
“On arrival police found that the five roomed house had been severely burned along with all the property inside. The owner is currently sleeping at a friend’s house as she has no property left. Mampinga is traumatised. She will be attending counselling to help her deal with her current situation.”
Mofokatsane has urged members of the community to help the police with finding the culprit.
Oupa was last seen wearing a floral shirt and black and white jeans.
He is tall and has dreadlocks on his head. Anyone who might know his whereabouts can contact The Barrage SAPS on 016 987 6720.
