Two people, one the mother, were arrested in connection with the death of a three-year-old boy in Phola, Ogies on Sunday morning.

This after a house, where the child was allegedly left unattended while his mother was at a tavern, was set alight following a fight she had at the establishment.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala says according to information Sfiso Mkhabela (28) and Kedibone Mabena were at a tavern together when they picked up a fight.

It is alleged that Mkhabela went to set Mabena’s house on fire in retaliation while her son was locked inside. She was shocked to find her place destroyed when she returned home at around 04:00.

Investigations into the cause of the fire led to the arrest of Mkhabela on Sunday while Mabena was arrested on the same day for allegedly leaving her child unattended from about 23:00 the previous night.

Both suspects appeared in the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court yesterday and were remanded in custody until next week.