Jilted lover accused of arson
A SNUFFED out relationship is suspected to have fanned the flame of bitterness in a man who is blamed for burning down the house of his former lover.
According to reports, the suspect was fuming as he struggled to come to terms with the break-up, and is alleged to have gained entry to the Khula Village house through a window.
He reportedly removed a young child from the house without the mother's consent or knowledge before torching the building.
The family's belongings, including beds, were reduced to ashes.
The woman reportedly returned home in the early hours of Friday to find that her house had been destroyed by a fire.
A case of arson was opened at Mtubatuba SAPS and investigations are under way.
No arrest has yet been made.
"The child that the victim left in her house was later found asleep in her ex-boyfriend's home," said police spokesperson Captain Sbusiso Mkhize.
He said the public is urged to adopt more peaceful means of resolving disputes.
"We discourage the damaging of property, and any other domesticrelated violence. If there are conflicts among family members, people in romantic relationships and anyone else in the community, we urge those people to call in a neutral person, a community leader or the authorities to guide them in resolving their conflicts," said Mkhize.
Ward Councillor Ntokozo Mlungwana said upon hearing of the incident on Friday morning, his office rushed to the scene of the torched house at White City in Khula Village.
"The situation we found was shocking," said Mlungwana.
The councillor said the matter was then reported to the police and that efforts were being made to determine if the disaster management team could assist the family.
"This incident must be condemned with the contempt it deserves. It also makes it clear that the abuse of women and children continues at an alarming rate in our communities," said Mlungwana.