MHLUZI, MIDDELBURG - The local police are investigating a case of arson and three counts of murder. This investigation resulted from an incident on Friday, October 20, at around 21:30 at Extension 6.

According to information at the SAPS’s disposal,  a 39-year-old woman and her two daughters, aged 17 and 10, died when their home was destroyed in a fire. The woman's 44-year-old friend, who is a defence force member, was later admitted to the Midmed Hospital, suffering from 48% burn wounds on his hands and arms.

The latter was allegedly spotted in an SANDF minibus at the house, a few minutes before the fire erupted.

Members of the community desperately tried to extinguish the blaze and, soon after, the man was spotted trying to hitch a ride back to his Army Base, 4SAI in Middelburg.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had booked two 25-litre containers of fuel just before his departure to the North West on official duty. The minibus was partially burnt and one of the containers, which was found inside, was almost empty.

Apparently, upon his arrival at the base, the man informed the guards at the gate that he had sustained the burns while trying to assist his girlfriend when she was struck by lightning.

The two children were declared dead at the scene and the mother succumbed to her injuries early yesterday morning.

The suspect  was transferred to hospital where he is currently under police guard.

Submitted by: Brig Leonard Hlathi
Subeditor: Lynette Brink / Letter Linguist