The Putfontein SAPS have launched a manhunt after a domestic violence incident escalated into arson, leaving a mother and her children homeless in the early hours of April 7.

The incident occurred at about 02:00 in the Zwakala informal settlement in Mayfield.

According to Putfontein SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Raiders Ubisi, the complainant was attending a party in Daveyton, deliberately trying to avoid her boyfriend at home due to his alleged violent behaviour.

While at the gathering, she received a call from a neighbour informing her that the suspect was at her residence, damaging her shack.

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Moments later, a second call confirmed her worst fears. The structure had been set alight.

She rushed back to her home, only to find it completely destroyed by the blaze. The fire is believed to have caused damage estimated at around R50 000, leaving the family without shelter.

The victim further told police that the suspect had previously threatened to burn down her shack and kill her, raising concerns about a pattern of abuse that culminated in the devastating incident.

Police have since opened a case of arson and are actively searching for the suspect, who fled the scene and remains at large.

Authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist in locating the suspect to come forward and contact Putfontein SAPS on 082 754 3660.

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