Police condemns acts of violence against children after father allegedly kills himself, three children in house fire outside Polokwane
It is alleged he set the house on fire following an argument with the mother of the children
POLOKWANE – The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has strongly condemned the continuing brutal acts of violent crimes perpetrated against children. This after an incident where a 33-year-old father allegedly used petrol to set a house on fire which resulted in the death of three minor children, aged between 4 and 6. The suspect also died in the process, said Police spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe.
“The terrifying incident occurred on Sunday, 30 December at Ga-Masemola outside Polokwane, after an alleged heated argument between the deceased and his 32 year old partner, being the mother of these children. Fortunately, the partner managed to flee from the suspect unhurt,” Ngoepe added.
The police were notified and arrived on the scene together with emergency medical services. The three children and the suspect were certified dead on the scene by EMS personnel.
The motive behind this incident is still not clear at this stage but domestic violence may not be ruled out and the police have opened and inquest and are investigating cases of arson, three counts of murder and attempted murder.
The deceased were identified as Mogau Maela (4), Chantelle Makobe (6), Mosa Makobe (4) and the suspect Thato Maela (33).
Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has once again advised residents to seek professional assistance when they encounter any social related problems in their lives rather than resorting to killings.
