POLOKWANE – The fire happened on Saturday, 25 August. The owner of the house, Lorraine Malotane, said the family was asleep when they were awoken by the sound of glass breaking which she explained was caused by a man throwing petrol bombs through the windows.
“When I woke up I saw one of the rooms in the house was already on fire. I rushed to wake my family and called for help while we rushed to get out of the house. As we called out for help we saw the suspect standing outside the house and he told us we would die in the house as he had tampered with the locks. Fortunately he did not tamper with the lock on the glass sliding door and we managed to escape the burning house,” Malotane said.
The neighbours helped the family to douse the flames but a lot of damage was already done and several of their possessions were destroyed. One of the neighbours, Frans Masipa said he heard the family’s cries for help and rushed to their assistance.
“I hope they find the person who caused this fire and nearly killed this family. It was fortunate they survived but they lost a lot of their possessions,” Masipa said.
Capt Maphaswa Seabi from the Seshego Police Station confirmed the incident and said they are searching the culprit and ensuring the safety of the family.
“A case of malicious damage to property and assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm (GBH) have been opened. The family also requested a protection order. No arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.”
