LOUIS TRICHARDT – RESIDENTS of Valdezia near Louis Trichardt in Limpopo are angry with the department of justice after a man suspected of being an arsonist was released on warning.
It was alleged that Richard Tiyiselani Chauke set three houses on fire. Last Friday, he appeared in the Waterval magistrate’s court where he was release on warning.
Spokesperson for the Waterval SAPS, Const Cynthia Ndou said Chauke of Matiyane Village went to his girlfriend’s home at Valdezia and asked for money after she had received wages that day.
“The woman, who works on guava farm at Levubu refused to give him cash,” he said.
The 45-year-old unemployed Chauke threatened her and she ran away. In the meantime, he set alight three houses.
Ndou confirmed they arrested Chauke and charged him with arson.
His girlfriend’s sister said they were shocked to see Chauke walking free barely a day after he was arrested.
“We don’t know why he was released on warning. My sister’s six children including her eight-month-old baby girl are sleeping next door. These children don’t have books and uniforms,” she said.
Comment from the Waterval magistrate’s court could not be obtained.
