Man charged after 7 killed in shack fire
A man has been charged with murder and arson after he allegedly set a shack on fire in Koster, killing seven people
|||Koster – A 49-year-old man has been charged with murder and arson after he allegedly set a shack alight in Koster killing seven people, North West police said on Wednesday.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said the man was admitted to hospital with burn wounds.
“He is going to appear in Koster Magistrate’s Court for murder and arson. However, he is going to appear in absentia because he is in the hospital due to burn wounds he sustained on Tuesday.”
The man allegedly set alight a shack in which 10 family members were sleeping in at Senthumole section of Reagile Township in Koster in the early hours of Tuesday.
Seven people burnt to death, including four pupils from the Kgalagatsane Primary School. Three other family members managed to escape from the fire. A 40-year old woman was admitted in hospital due to burn wounds.
Hlathi said those who died were aged between three and 75.
The North West education department identified the four learners as Abraham Mwale, 15, Christina Mwale, 11, (both in Grade 5), Ofentse Mwale, 8, in Grade 2 and Samantha Mwale, 12, in Grade 6 at Kgalagatsane Primary School .
North West premier Supra Mahumapelo slammed the incident, describing it as not only distressing but unspeakable.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of those who have been killed, and as we extend our earnest condolences, we wish them strength to bear this great pain,” he said.
Mahumapelo called on the community to remain calm, and allow the police to continue with their investigation.
Funeral arrangements were still to be released.
African News Agency