INLSA
HELPFUL: Bradley Khol
Bhekimpilo Dungeni
POLICE are investigating whether arson caused the death of Lavender Hill’s Bradley Khol, 35, in his home early yesterday and whether it was gang related.
Khol was the fourth victim of fires in the Peninsula over the weekend.
When the Cape Times visited his home in the Hill View informal settlement, all that remained were charred poles, cardboard and pieces of paper.
Police had cleared people from the area and declared it a crime scene.
Cape Town Fire and Rescue spokesman Theo Layne said:
ON TRAIL: With the help of a sniffer dog, police investigate the remains of a shack in Hill View Informal Settlement, Lavender Hill, that was destroyed by a fire in which 35-year-old Bradley Khol died. Photo: Courtney Africa
INLSA
“The fire had been put out by neighbours, using available water and hosepipes. Police suspect arson.”
Police spokesman Frederick van Wyk said they were waiting for post-mortem results. More information would be made available since investigations were ongoing, he said.
Khol’s brother, Randall Khol, said Bradley could have had gang associations.
“He didn’t talk about these things, but for my brother I won’t lie, he was a good man. At times when someone dies, people often say it’s only the good things that are said about that person.
“People knew him as a person who would help around here. Even where there were fires and people needed to rebuild their houses, he was there to do it for them.
“At times people are forced into gangsterism by the environment they grow up in, and not by choice, and I think he is a victim of that,” said Randall.
Speaking through tears, Bradley’s sister-in-law Michelle Khol said: “Just yesterday he was here and we were having a good time. We had a braai, had a few drinks and he went home to sleep just before midnight.”
A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said he could not believe Randall had died.
bhekimpilo.dungeni@inl.co.za
Services
Business Directory
We like to make your life easier
Mobile
Browse IOL on your phone at m.iol.co.za/ .
Newsletters
Subscribe to our newsletters. News delivered to your inbox!
