The case against Caroline Travers (52), who is accused of arson and attempted murder following a 2022 house fire in Birchleigh, resumed today, November 4, in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.

The charges stem from a blaze that occurred on March 12, 2022, at a property on Essenwood Avenue, where Travers allegedly set her house on fire in the early hours of the morning. Her husband was rescued from the burning home but later died in hospital.

The matter was postponed to November 27 for the appearance of the attorney and further hearing.

Testimony from Norkem Park Reservist Constable

During the previous sitting on October 1, a Norkem Park SAPS reservist constable, who asked not to be named, testified about the events of that night.

Also read: Court hears details of 2022 Birchleigh house fire as trial unfolds

He recalled arriving at the scene alongside CPF members, where they found a woman who admitted to starting the fire while her husband was still inside.

“She continued saying she wished her husband could die in the fire, even after we informed her of her right to remain silent,” he told the court.

The constable described the frantic rescue attempts, explaining that all the doors were locked and that they eventually gained entry through a broken window.

“As I opened the door, I saw Mr Travers lying in the passageway, gasping for air. We pulled him into a bedroom, covered him with a bed cover, and then carried him out through the window with the help of CPF members.”

He said the victim was still breathing when they handed him over to paramedics. He added that they were told there were dogs inside the house, but the risk of re-entering was too great.

After the fire was extinguished, the constable said they discovered firearm frames in the house, which were handed over to investigating officers.

Forensic Evidence Presented

The court also heard testimony from Warrant Officer Godfrey Moshabane, a forensic expert, who said he was called to the scene by W/O Ferreira at around 2:20am.

“The roof looked like it could collapse at any moment, so I didn’t enter the house,” he said. “I took photographs from outside and documented the firearms retrieved from the fire.”

Also read: Birchleigh Arson: Police reservist and forensic expert testify

Moshabane said he was later informed that the injured man had died. “I went to Tembisa Hospital and was taken to the mortuary, where I photographed the deceased, who was covered with hospital dressing material. In total, I compiled 28 photos from the house, the surroundings, and the mortuary.”

Defence Response

The defence argued that Travers never admitted to setting the house alight, but rather said she had started a fire which later spread.

They also disputed the constable’s statement regarding a handbag allegedly carried by the accused, saying no other witnesses had mentioned it. Travers denied having a handbag at the time.

The matter was postponed to November 27 for further proceedings.