THE ANC in KZN has called for calm and urged the public and the media to refrain from speculating after a fire engulfed the home of the province’s former premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, who on Monday evening was announced as the new Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training.

In a statement, the party said it supports Dube-Ncube and her family who were devastated by the fire.

@caxtonlocalmedia Fire guts home of former KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, just hours after her new deputy minister appointment. ANC urges calm as arson investigation begins. #KZNNews #NomusaDubeNcube #ArsonInvestigation #HillcrestFire # #HighwayMail #SouthAfricaNews ♬ original sound – caxtonlocalmedia

“We are relieved and profoundly grateful that no lives were lost and that Cde Dube-Ncube and her family members escaped physical harm,” reads the party’s statement.

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It further reads that the party has confidence that the police and emergency services will investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, KZN SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed that the police in Hillcrest are investigating a case of arson following the incident in which three vehicles, two motorbikes and two quad bikes were burnt during a fire at a residence in Everton, Hillcrest on Sunday night, July 20.

“It is reported the owner of the property parked her vehicle inside the garage, but was later alerted of smoke coming out of the garage. The suspects are unknown at this stage and the motive is being investigated,” said Netshiunda.