The Police in Malamulele have launched a manhunt for the heartless suspect who doused a house with a highly flammable substance believed to be petrol and set it alight while six people, amongst them, four children, were sleeping inside at Plange village, Mtiti.
The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning, 11 December 2022.
A 29-year-old man had on Saturday, 10 December 2022 during the day, 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. 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, an unknown suspect broke the window and sprinkled a flammable liquid substance believed to be a 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 hospital in a 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.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has 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,” concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.
Police 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 the Detective Commander Colonel Edson Rikhotso on 082 565 7919 or the crime stop number 08600 10111or the nearest police station or use MySAPSApp.
