Cape Town - Mystery surrounds the horrific death of a mother and her two young children who are believed to have died in a fire.
Relatives said that a blood-stained knife, hammer and a bucket containing bloody clothes were found at the scene, and they are now suspecting foul play.
They don’t believe Lindiwe Qolo, her six-year-old son Bukamuso, and daughter Owam, 3, died purely from the blaze that engulfed their backyard dwelling in Lower Ntloyiya Drive in Philippi East.
Lindiwe’s family believe they were murdered before their killers set the shack alight on Saturday night.
The 32-year-old woman had an open wound to her stomach and was found lying on her bed next to her children.
By late Sunday, Lindiwe’s boyfriend Steven Bodigelo was still being treated in hospital for smoke inhalation.
Police have opened an inquest docket into the deaths, but Lindiwe’s family is convinced the police should be investigating a murder.
Lindiwe’s sister Ncumisa Qolo, 29, said “all the evidence” points to foul play: “It’s funny, only a few things are partly burnt inside the shack.
“The cupboards and the fridge were not affected by the fire, only the blankets and a few clothes that were partly burnt.
“There was a blood-stained knife at the scene and a bucket of bloodied clothes.”
“Where did the blood on the clothes, knife and hammer come from?
“As a family we are very traumatised by the loss of my sister, she was full of love and a loving mother to her kids,” said Ncumisa.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said no arrests have been made.
“Post mortem results will indicate the cause of death, and an inquest docket has been opened for investigation.”
Daily Voice