North West MEC for Human Settlements, Safety and Liaison, Desbo Mohono on Tuesday commended the police for the swift arrest of a suspect in the Ponyane arson-domestic violence case.
MEC Mohono also appreciated support that that the community of Ikageng Extension 11 gave police during their investigations and appealed for the community to allow the law to take its course.
The boyfriend to the late Sarah Ponyage (38) is expected to appear in court on Wednesday following his arrest to answer to charges of arson and murder following her horrific death that has shocked residents of Ikageng location near Potchefstroom.
The mother of two daughters aged 14 and 10 was burnt beyond recognition after a fire razed her shack in a suspected domestic violence incident in the early hours of Sunday.
It is alleged that Ponyane aged 38 had around 10:00 pm on Saturday night quarrelled with her boyfriend about a domestic violence and assault case she had opened against himwas due to be heared in the Potchefstroom Magistrates Court this past Monday.
As a result of the alleged quarrel, her daughters sleep over at her sister’s place next door. Her sister and children were woken by neighbours around 2:00 am and joined them in unsuccessful and desperate attempts to extinguish the blaze which had engulfed her shack using hosepipes.
In condemning the tragic incident earlier after visiting Ponyane’s home on Sunday morning to convey the condolences of the provincial government to her family, MEC Mohono called on communities to intensify the fight against the scourge of women and children abuse by reporting suspected incidents of abuse. She also called on women not to stay in abusive relations as they end up in untold tragedies.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele (Departmental Spokesperson)
Tel: 018 381 9171
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018381 9123
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
