THE community of Reagile near Koster came in numbers to say farewell to the seven people who burned to death in their torched shack a week ago.
The flames of jealousy were allegedly started by a boyfriend of Mammy Mwale, who lived in the shack with her family and kids.
The 49-year-old boyfriend was arrested on charges of murder after he allegedly poured petrol on the house and set it alight.
Among the dead were gogo Elizabeth Mwale (74), three of Mammy’s kids who were all pupils at Kgalagatsane Primary School – Abram (15), Ofentse (8) and Refilwe (10) – and three-year-old Precious, who is the only child fathered by the suspect. The others were Mammy’s niece Samantha (12) and Mammy’s sister Christina (40).
They died last Monday and will be buried today. Yesterday’s memorial service was held in Senthumole section, Reagile township.
Mammy kept a brave heart throughout the event as she sat next to the biological father of the three dead kids. The service started with a candle lightning ceremony and saw different government officials in attendance.
Family representative Mmathapelo Segakweng claimed the suspect had planned his evil deed for a year. “We had a protection order against him. He hurt everyone.
“The family took lightly the threats and signs he made,” said Mmathapelo.
North West’s health department offered counselling to the family.
Kgetlengrivier mayor Kim Medupe encouraged people to start neighbourhood watches. The mayor said it was wrong for a fire to burn down to ashes while people stood by and did nothing to kill it.
