Police at Ritavi, in Limpopo, have launched a manhunt for a 35-year-old man who allegedly set fire to his parents’ residence.

Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said on Friday night, the man’s 57-year-old mother was inside her house at Mariveni village when she heard some noise coming from an argument.

The curious mother immediately went to investigate.

“Further information suggests that when the victim (the mother) reached the passage, she saw her 35-year-old son pouring an inflammable substance inside the house, while her granddaughter was crying and trying to stop him,” said Ledwaba.

The 35-year-old man then poured the inflammable substance on the two women, and they rushed out of the house to seek assistance from the neighbours. 

Police said when the women returned with the assistance, the house was already engulfed in flames.

The 35-year-old suspect then fled the scene in his vehicle.

“The house valued at more than R300,000 was completely gutted together with the furniture,” said Ledwaba.

Following the incident, an arson case was opened at the local police station.

“Police believe that a 35-year-old old male, Vusi Mnisi could help in solving this case. Anyone with information regarding Vusi’s whereabouts may contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Vulani Ngobeni on 082 319 9699, Crime Stop number 08600 10111, nearest police station or My SAPS App,” said Ledwaba.

On Monday, IOL reported that the Seshego Regional Court in Limpopo has sentenced a 32-year-old man to life imprisonment for attempted rape and an additional 10 years imprisonment for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) on his mother.

Ledwaba said the horrific incidents occurred in Seshego.

The court heard that on February 5, 2024, at about 9 pm, the 32-year-old man was staying with his mother at their residence in Seshego Extension.

“He met her (mother) in the passage and tried to rape her. The victim fought and screamed for help, and their neighbours came for her rescue,” said Ledwaba.

The defenseless woman was also assaulted by her son, and the incident was immediately reported to the local police, who acted swiftly and managed to arrest the accused son on the same day.

The case docket was transferred to the Seshego Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit and allocated to Sergeant Nation Teffo, who displayed sterling detective skills to oppose bail until he secured the conviction and subsequent sentencing.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL News  

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