Alleged jealousy attack: Man arrested after Wallacedene fire kills three

A 60-year-old man is expected to appear at the Blue Downs Magistrates Court after he was arrested in connection with a deadly house fire in New Rest, Wallacedene, that claimed the lives of three people, including a child.

Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said the bodies of a 58-year-old woman, a 56-year-old man, and a four-year-old child were discovered in a residence, which had been destroyed by fire at around 12:45am, on Wednesday, August 13.

He said the cause of the fire was initially unknown, and an inquest docket was opened.

He added that the efforts of provincial detectives and Kraaifontein police resulted in the arrest of the suspect on Thursday, August 14.

“Preliminary investigations revealed evidence suggesting the fire had been deliberately started. This line of inquiry led to the suspect's arrest," said  Colonel Traut. “A possible motive for the attack is believed to be linked to jealousy.” 

The suspect is expected to appear in court on Friday, August 15, facing three counts of murder.