The police in the Mopani area are investigating a case of arson, following the death of five people, including a one-year-old child, in a burning hut. The incident took place at the Mekgoloboto Village in Ritavi outside Tzaneen on Sunday night.

Supt Moatshe Ngoepe, spokesperson for the police in the area, said that the only survivor of the killer blaze, a 50-year-old woman, and her five daughters were fast asleep in a small thatched-roof mud hut during the night of the incident. The woman told the police that she heard a strange noise that sounded like a bomb blast from outside while she was asleep. She woman braved the chilling night and went outside to find out what was happening. When she got out she realized that her hut was in flames.

She tried to go back into the hut to save the lives of her daughters but it was too late. According to the police statement, the woman was seriously burnt during her attempt to go back into the hut. She then watched helplessly as the roof of the hut fell in.

The woman was later taken to the nearby hospital where her condition was reportedly critical, but stable. Her five daughters were burnt to death during the ordeal. The deceased are Susan Maenetja (26), Mary Maenetja (16), Julia Maenetja (5), Precious Maenetja (4) and Kamokgelo (1). The police have arrested a 30-year-old man who resides at the same village on Monday morning. He was still to appear in court at the time of going to press and the police are investigating the case further.