DURBAN - FIVE people were killed in a fire in Phoenix yesterday.
A 57-year-old man was arrested for allegedly setting fire to the flat in Kidstone Place.
Among those who died were four children between the ages of 3 and 13 and a woman in her thirties.
Phoenix resident Pam Pillay, who has lived in the area for 30 years, said the couple had been fighting.
Pillay also said she heard screams and then saw fire in the early hours of yesterday. “Many people tried to get help from the police, making phone calls, but there was no response. If they had come this tragedy could have been avoided.”
Pillay said it was alleged that the suspect got hold of petrol from a brush cutter.
Another Phoenix resident, LT Nair, said the suspect was known as a grass cutter.
She said the family had moved to the area two months ago. Nair said she had a sister who lived close by to the couple who also tried to intervene.
“My sister lives close by and she spoke to the suspect and told him what he was doing was wrong and he needed to stop fighting with his wife. She also told me that the victim had tried calling the police for help.”
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development spokesperson Mhlaba Memela said the department was saddened by the incident.
“We as a department pass our condolences to the grieving family as they deal with the loss of five family members.
“I also call upon law enforcement to ensure that the person responsible is sent to prison and serves a long sentence.
“We call on members of the public to report incidents of suspected violence against women and children.
“We as a department can assist and get victims of abuse to places of safety.”
Memela added that the department would send a team to help those affected.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker confirmed a case of arson and murder dockets had been opened and that a 57-year-old man had been arrested.
“In the early hours of this morning, Phoenix police responded to a report of a fire at a flat on Kidstone Place.
“When police arrived at the scene they found that seven residents of the flat managed to escape while five perished in the fire.
“The deceased are aged between 37 and 3 years old. Residents reported that there was a domestic altercation at the home prior to the fire.
“Phoenix police are investigating a case of arson and murder.
“A 57-year-old man has been arrested by Phoenix police at the home of his relatives in the Phoenix area. He had serious burn wounds and was taken to a local hospital where he is being held under police guard.”
Police Minister Bheki Cele said yesterday that while he had not received a report about the incident, it was important for members of the public to be proactive, especially when there were domestic disputes.
THE MERCURY