Soweto fire parents still critical

INLSA

Whats left of the Zola, Soweto house that neighbours say was set alight by a father, killing his three young sons. Photo: Chris Collingridge

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Johannesburg - The mother and father of the three children who burnt to death in their home in Soweto were still in critical conditions in hospital, police said on Thursday.

“They are both still in a critical condition in hospital... and the man is still under police guard and will be arrested as soon as he recovers,” said Warrant Officer Kay Makhubela.

The fire which killed the three brothers, aged three, eight and 10-years-old, was allegedly started by the father.

Makhubela said the man had a fight with their mother on Tuesday night.

“They went to bed and he later woke up and went to buy petrol and returned to the house,” he said.

The man apparently locked himself and the rest of the family in their house, doused it with petrol and set it alight.

The Sowetan newspaper reported that the man suspected the woman of having an affair with his brother.

“After work I passed by my brother's place, only to find him sleeping, while my sister-in-law was cooking and she dished up for us and the kids,” his brother told the newspaper.

“After eating I left, seeing that he was fast asleep. Later in the evening I received a message from her saying: 'Your brother is accusing me of having a Valentine's Day dinner with you - in his presence - and that we are sleeping together'.”

Makhubela said police have opened the cases of murder, one of attempted murder and another of arson.

Police were waiting for the man to recover before arresting him. - Sapa