MOPANI - France Masekela Malahlela (31) of Hamaelula village near Mankweng has briefly appeared in the Bolobedu magistrate's court on Monday on a charge of murder.

The incident relating to the incident took place at Ratsibi village in the Bolobedu area on the morning of Sunday, February 2 at about 01:00.

According to police spokesperson in the Mopani Area, Capt Moatshe Ngoepe it is alleged that the accused paid his girlfriend a visit the night before the incident. The statement indicates that an argument ensued between the deceased (girlfriend) and the accused during the night.

During the argument the accused allegedly left the room and went outside. The statement further indicates that the accused allegedly doused the house in which the deceased was sleeping with petrol before he set it alight. The deceased and her two daughters were burnt to ashes during the incident.

The deceased was Mrs California Maila (35), and her daughters, Jenine (11) and Christine (15). The suspect was on the run for the whole week until his arrest at his Hamaelula home last Saturday morning.

According to the police statement the good relationship that the police have with the local residents led to the arrest of the accused. Malahlela was not asked to plead during his first court appearance. His bail application was turned down and the case was postponed until March 28.