BLINKWATER – In October 5, this year, a resident of Blinkwater village Matome Masinge (27) proceeded to a certain man's (complainant) kraal during the night at about 23:15. At that stage the complainant and his wife were fast asleep.

The two were awakened by a strange noise from outside the house. When they woke up they noticed that the house in which they were sleeping was in flames. When they got out of the house they saw the accused running away.

The complainant screamed for help from the neighbours who responded by coming to the scene in numbers. They tried to chase the accused but he soon vanished in the surrounding bushes. The group then tried to extinguish the fire but it was too late.

The complainant and his wife then watched their house burn down to ashes with great sorrow. The matter was reported to the police and the accused was arrested the following day. Goods to the value of about R12 000 were lost during the incident.

He appeared in court three times before the matter was finalised last Friday.

The court heard that the accused had a chilling argument with the complainant's son a day before the incident. He was found guilty and sentenced to a three year imprisonment sentence. Masinge was not given the option to pay a fine.