Three die in alleged love triangle

BURGERSFORT – An alleged love triangle turned tragic when a man burned his alleged lover’s boyfriend, before setting himself and his girlfriend alight.
The horrific incident, that shocked residents of Riba Cross, happened at Sethole’s apartments last Saturday.
It is alleged that Moses Sithole, set alight his girlfriend’s illicit lover Emmanuel Malidzi before burning himself and his girlfriend, Rian Makhubedu.
Police spokesman, Col Moatshe Ngoepe said all the three died in the incident that happened at about 01:00.

This occurred in rented rooms at the village.
“A middle-aged man poured an inflammable substance in the room of a 35-year-old man and set it alight. Malidzi was rescued by other tenants and taken to Dilokong Hospital, but he died soon after he was admitted,” he said.
“Sithole proceeded to his alleged girlfriend’s room, broke the window, jumped inside, removed a two-year-old baby girl, who was in the room, and set the room alight. Both Sithole and the Makhubedu were burned to death, while the baby girl escaped with minor injuries.”

Tenants said they were aware of the love triangle, but declined to comment further.  According to Ngoepe, the child was also admitted to Dilokong Hospital for treatment.
“Cases of arson, two counts of murder and an inquest docket were opened at Tubatse SAPS for further police investigations,” Ngoepe said.
“The motive behind this incident is not clear at this stage, but domestic violence may not be ruled out.”
Acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Maj Gen Jan Scheepers, has condemned continuous acts of domestic-related attacks and killings, still prevalent in some parts of Limpopo.
“Communities are advised and encouraged to seek professional assistance from local authorities for intervention in case of any domestic-related problems, rather than resorting to violence,” concluded Scheepers.