Jealousy suspected as motive in Kraaifontein fire that killed three

Police believe a possible motive behind a fire allegedly deliberately started at a home in Wallacedene which resulted in the deaths of three people including a child, could be linked to jealousy.

A 60-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is due to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Police spokesperson Andrè Traut said the relentless efforts of detectives attached to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit, supported by Kraaifontein SAPS, resulted in the arrest of the man on three counts of murder. 

“In the early hours of August 13, at approximately 12.45am, the bodies of a 58-year-old woman, a 56-year-old man, and a four-year-old child were discovered in a residence in New Rest, Wallacedene, which had been completely destroyed by fire.

“The cause of the fire was initially unknown, and an inquest docket was opened. However, preliminary investigations revealed evidence suggesting the fire had been deliberately started. “This line of inquiry led to the suspect’s arrest,” Traut said. 

Meanwhile, a woman who shouted for help when her family home caught alight on Wednesday evening in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain died after rubble reportedly fell onto her.

Michelle Adams, 40, was alone in her home in Outeniqua Street at the time.

A community member who asked not to be named told the Daily Voice that fire and rescue services were called for assistance after neighbours heard Adams screaming for help.

They explained: “It was a very very bad experience and a shock."

They added that residents tried to keep rubble on the property wet to prevent the flames from spreading. 

City Fire and Rescue spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said: "The incident was reported at around 9pm as a house alight in Outeniqua Street, Tafelsig, on Wednesday, August 13. Crews from Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha were on scene." 

The blaze gutted the dwelling and left five of the neighbours displaced. 

"One adult female sustained fatal burn wounds and was declared deceased on scene by medical personnel,” Carelse said.

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said Mitchells Plain police station were investigating the incident.

“Police members attended to the scene where the body of a 39-year-old female was pointed out after Fire and Rescue Services extinguished the fire,” Twigg said. 

Cape Times