Police probe arson, attempted murder in Mahalapye dispute

Pini Bothoko | Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:28

According to Mahalapye Central Police Station commander, Superintendent Meshack Ranku, the incident involves a 35-year-old woman from Bokaa ward who currently resides in one of the government houses at Xhosa 2.

The suspect, a 34-year-old man also from Bokaa, is believed to be her lover.

Ranku explained that the couple allegedly had a heated argument in the early hours of Saturday. Following the dispute, the woman reportedly left and spent the night at a friend’s house.

Around 8:45am the same morning, she returned to her residence where she encountered the suspect at the gate.

“She locked herself inside the sitting room, but the accused allegedly broke one of the windows, poured a liquid suspected to be petrol into the house and set it alight,” Ranku said.

The woman managed to escape the burning house and was rushed to Mahalapye Hospital, where she is currently admitted in stable condition.

Police recovered a 20-litre container believed to be of the petrol used in the attack. The suspect was arrested on the scene and is expected to appear before the Mahalapye Magistrate’s Court sometime this week.

Ranku added that the value of the property destroyed in the fire is yet to be determined as the victim remains hospitalised.