The police in Thohoyandou, Limpopo are investigating a case of arson that led to damage of over R2m, that took place at Muledane Block J next to a local clinic on Sunday at 02:49.

According to a police report, a 47-year-old woman was sleeping at home with her children, aged 19 and 24, when she heard the sound of a window being broken.

“She investigated and saw a man holding a plastic container in one of the bedrooms. She immediately closed the door of the bedroom where the children were asleep for their safety.”

“The perpetrator, however, met her in the passage, pouring a liquid over her body. She managed to flee the house to seek help from the neighbours,” Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Masela Ledwaba says.

He says that soon afterwards, the house went up in flames and the police and fire brigade were summoned.

Ledwaba says according to unconfirmed reports, the house belonged to a mafia boss who was shot dead in June.

A manhunt for the suspect is underway, and anyone with information that can assist police with the investigation should contact investigating officer Lieutenant Colonel Ndileni Mphaphuli on 082 959 7705, 015 960 1000, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, their nearest police station, or convey information via the My SAPS app.