Woman arrested for arson and attempted murder
Petrol was also found on the scene of the house that was well alight.
A 49-year-old woman was arrested on charges of arson and attempted murder in Birchleigh during the early hours of Saturday morning.
According to Sgt Barbara-Anne Ferreira, spokesperson for Norkem Park SAPS, the woman set her house on fire. The incident is alleged to have occurred just after mid-night.
“The complainant alleged that she was called out to an arson scene and upon arrival found a house, on Essenwood Avenue, in flames,” said Ferreira.
“She also said she spoke to a woman who allegedly said that she had set the house on fire and hoped her husband burned to death. Reservist, Const Jagger and CPF patroller, Terrence de Klerk, broke open a window and got inside the burning house, found the husband lying on the floor unconscious and dragged him out to safety.”
Various services were on scene. Ferreira also said all doors were locked and petrol was found on the scene.
“The suspect also locked two dogs in the house. The dogs did not survive the fire,” said Ferreira.
“The 47-year-old victim was treated on scene as he sustained serious burn wounds and suffered from smoke inhalation. He was transported to hospital for further medical care in a critical condition.”
Ferreira added that the Kempton Park Fire Department members were also on scene to extinguish the blaze.
