The death of Mulweli Tshiwela (6) and the injuries sustained by three other family members at Mvelaphanda Ha-Khangale outside Thohoyandou, have angered residents.

Mulweli was severely burnt after the house she was sleeping in was set alight early on Thursday morning.

The Grade R pupil at Mahematshena Primary School at Dzwerani and eight other family members were asleep, when unknown people allegedly knocked on the door of her aunt’s house. It is alleged that they requested that the family open the door and come out of the house, so that they could discuss work. The family, however, refused.

The unknown persons left but came back at around 03:00.

According to the residents, this time around they were armed with petrol bombs. The first bomb was thrown at the main bedroom, but bounced back after it hit a wardrobe. They allegedly moved to the other room and threw another one, which set the whole house on fire.

According to bystanders, a courageous neighbour then rescued the nine from the blazing house. Four were hospitalized with burn wounds.

Mulweli, who was seriously burnt, was transferred to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, where she later died of her burns. Three other members are still in hospital.

A full report will follow.