By Theodorah waga Mawasha
MALAMULELE-Man set alights a house while six people, amongst them, four children, were sleeping inside at Plantjie village, Mtiti in Malamulele.
The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning December 11
According to a report, a 29-year-old man reportedly visited his ex-girlfriend (23) who was at home with her two children aged 2 months and 2 years, her cousin and her two children aged 6 days and 3 years on Saturday, December 10.
The two started arguing and the man reportedly left after the heated altercation.
In the early hours of the following morning (Sunday) at about 01:00, the suspect broke the window and sprinkled a flammable liquid substance believed to be petrol inside the house through the window and then set the house on fire.
The suspect then fled the scene. The victims screamed for help and they were eventually rescued by community members.
Police and emergency rescue services were summoned and the victims were transported to the hospital in critical condition.
Police then opened a case of arson and six counts of attempted murder. Sadly, the 3-year-old child, identified as Vunene Ngobeni later succumbed to her injuries. The sixth count of attempted murder was then changed to murder.
The motive for the incident is not yet known but domestic violence cannot be ruled out.
Police in Malamulele have launched a manhunt and call upon Edward Chauke (29) residing at Gumbani village to avail himself at 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 Detective Commander Colonel Edson Rikhotso on 082 565 7919 or the crime stop number 0860010111or the nearest police station or use MySAPSApp
