Africa-Press – South-Africa. Limpopo police are on the hunt for a Gumbani village resident to assist them in their investigation of an alleged arson incident at a property near Mtiti that claimed the life of a three-year-old girl.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said a 29-year-old man visited his 23-year-old ex-girlfriend at the property on Saturday.
The woman was with her two children, aged two months and two years, her cousin, and her cousin’s children, aged three and six.
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“The two started arguing and the man reportedly left after the heated altercation,” Ledwaba added.
“In the early hours of the following morning at about 01:00, an unknown suspect broke the window and sprinkled a flammable liquid substance, believed to be petrol, inside the house through the window and then set the house on fire. The suspect then fled the scene. The victims screamed for help and they were eventually rescued by community members.”
The three-year-old girl, Vunene Ngobeni, died in hospital.
Police are investigating charges of arson, murder and attempted murder.
Ledwaba said: “The motive for the incident is not yet known, but domestic violence cannot be ruled out.”
He added that police were appealing for someone identified as Edward Chauke, who lives in Gumbani village, to report to the Malamulele police station because it is believed he will be able to assist them in their investigation.
Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, said: “We appeal to community members [who have] information that can lead to the apprehension of the suspect to come forward.”
Anyone who has further information can contact Detective Commander Colonel Edson Rikhotso on 082 565 7919.
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