13 Jun 2022

A 37-year-old man of Lenong ward in Mahotshwane is expected to appear before Jwaneng Magistrate Court tomorrow (June 14) on a single count of arson,.

In an interview, Mabutsane police station commander, Superintendent Batani Lehuma, said the suspect set his girlfriend's house on fire in Mahotshwane on Sunday between 11pm and midnight.

“It was reported that the couple was having a  dispute and while she was still at her neighbour’s yard to plead with them to come and mediate, she was surprised to see the hut in flames,” he said.

Superintendent Lehuma said the fire overpowered the neighbours who tried to put it off and they could not salvage anything from the hut, leading to the loss of property worth around P8 000.

“Since there is no indication that the accused intended to hurt or kill anyone, he would be slapped with a single charge of arson and we are still preparing relevant paperwork for him to appear at the magistrate’s court.

Superintendent Lehuma indicated that Mahotshwane was no stranger to cases of violence, which compelled the police to hold a sensitisation workshop  a few months back.

“Ever since that workshop, the situation has been better. It has been about two months without any report of domestic violence from there until this incident, and as usual, we appeal to people to always seek help from relevant authorities like social workers, the police and magosi if they have issues that need counsel, rather than take emotional decisions,” he said. BOPA