City father in court for setting family alight
A 45-YEAR-OLD Kimberley father, who allegedly set his wife and four children alight in their home in Promised Land, will apply for bail on January 7 next year.
Daniel Dipheko made his first court appearance in the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court yesterday after he was arrested by police on Friday, December 14.
He had been on the run following the incident which occurred during the early hours of Thursday, December 13.
He is facing two counts of murder after his wife, Abigail Mogadile, died in the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital shortly after the incident while his 18-year-old son, Tshepo Mogadile, also succumbed to his injuries in hospital on Saturday.
Dipheko is also charged with arson and a further two counts of attempted murder after his two daughters, 14-year-old Nthabeleng and seven-year-old Tshepiso, sustained burn wounds during the incident. Tshepiso is still being treated in hospital.
Dipheko appeared in the dock with a bandage around his left arm.
He indicated to the court, after he was read his rights, that he needed time to decide whether he would appoint a personal attorney or make use of Legal Aid.
He told the court that he only had money to contribute to the deceased’s funeral. His family members wept as he appeared in the dock while Dipheko limped from the dock after the matter was postponed to next year.
Family members, before court proceedings started, indicated that the accused was very emotional and had not eaten since he was arrested. They said he repeatedly asked them about the condition of his wife in hospital and refused to accept that she and their son had died.
Galeshewe police said the accused was arrested while consulting a Barkly Road doctor for treatment of his burn wounds.
Police spokesperson, Captain Bashaobile Kale, said the incident followed a domestic dispute.
“It is alleged the suspect has accused the wife of infidelity and that the children, aged 18, 14 and seven, were aware of the relationship and were hiding it from him,” said Kale.
Dipheko remains in custody.