A Pietermaritzburg couple is lucky to be alive after they were assaulted at their Pelham home and had their house set on fire on Monday evening.

In a statement, Mi7 National Group spokesperson Colin David says the fire was discovered by an Mi7 officer while conducting regular patrols.

“The member immediately radioed into the Mi7 control room, requesting that Pietermaritzburg firefighters be notified. He then went to investigate,” he says.

David explains neighbours reported hearing gunshots and seeing a woman running from the premises.

He adds that a widespread search for the woman ensued but soon after, reports came in that the same woman was spotted on Rudling Road and needed medical attention.

David says Mi7 Emergency Medical Services was dispatched and treated the woman for minor burns and injuries.

“She reported that both she and her partner were attacked by several men who stabbed her partner, started the fire, and attempted to assault her too.”

David says the woman managed to flee from the house.

“Reports then came in that the woman’s partner had been found on Allen Road. On arrival, Mi7 teams found he was being treated for stab wounds by another service provider. The pair were taken to hospital together… while Pietermaritzburg firefighters attempted to extinguish the blaze,” adds David.

The matter was handed over to the police for further investigation.