An elderly man in his eighties died in hospital after being rescued from a fire a about a month ago.

Founder of eblockwatch Andre Snyman had shared news of a fire in Houghton on April 7. Watch the video here.

Read more here: The heated battle continues as arson cases reportedly increase

A Fidelity security guard had appeared in a video explaining how he had rescued the deceased after calling for help inside the burning house.

Read more here: Traumatic recount of purported arsonist

The elderly man had reportedly been beaten up by the alleged arsonist. Snyman said the man had then been rescued and taken to the hospital where he had been in the intensive care unit for three weeks till he passed away on May 22.

“The family of the man is obviously distraught and is not talking. I believe the charges will now move from arson to attempted murder,” said Snyman.

The Gazette has contacted the police for comment and will update this article as information becomes available.