Woman allegedly sets her house on fire
Petrol was also found on the scene of the house that was well alight.
By: Puleng Sekabate
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, allegedly just after midnight.
“The complainant alleged 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 said she 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 the scene. According to Eric Maloka, DEMS spokesperson, four vehicles from the Kempton Park Fire Station and Albertina Sisulu Corridor Fire Station responded to the fire.
“The house was severely burnt and only two rooms, a garage and four vehicles were salvaged,” said Maloka.
“We stopped the fire from spreading to the neighbouring structures.
“Arson was suspected; police and our local fire investigating officer were activated.”
Ferreira also said all doors were locked, and petrol was found on the scene.
“The suspect also locked two dogs in the house, who did not survive the fire,” said Ferreira.
“The 47-year-old victim was treated on scene, as he sustained serious burn wounds and smoke inhalation and was transported to hospital for further medical care in a critical condition.”
Although Ferreira said two dogs were also allegedly trapped inside the house, manager at the Kempton Park SPCA Kira Sparrow told Express on Monday morning there was no trace of the dogs.
“We went to investigate and could not find any dog remains,” said Sparrow.
“This is a heartbreaking story indeed. We cannot comment further as we could not find any animal remains.”
