INVESTIGATION Arson suspected in Tongaat house fire that killed gran and injured family

ARSON is believed to be the cause of a fire which claimed the life of a Tongaat grandmother and left her daughter-in-law fighting for her life with third-degree burns. Her son is also in the hospital.

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KZN police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said a case of arson, murder and two cases of attempted murder were being investigated by Tongaat police.

Maliga Naidoo, 75, burnt to death after she became trapped in the bedroom of her Belvedere home last Wednesday morning.

Her son, Marcel, daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and grandson, Anthony, were rescued from the burning house.

The couple are in hospital with serious injuries, while their son escaped unharmed.

Jennifer's close friend, Veni Moodley, said she was driving past the house when she noticed smoke billowing from the windows, and.

A friend of mine, Angelo, who is a security officer, was off duty and also staying with me saw the smoke. Jennifer is like a sister to me. I sensed something told me she was inside the house.

“Angelo and his brother people on the main gate did not want to help the family. I ran into the burning house to try and get Jennifer. But the smoke was too intense and I could not breathe. I had no choice but to run out.

“Anthony was rescued first. Then Marcel was carried out.