COUPLE BURNT TO DEATH

JABULANI – A couple was burnt to death on Saturday night, in a horrendous attack that has left a tragic mark in the lives of two families.

It is understood that the lovers, Siphiwe Vilakati (55) and Thulani Dlamini (60), were first hacked with a sharp object before being doused with petrol and set alight.

The horrific incident, which was described by witnesses as the worst tragedy to hit the area, occurred at the woman’s homestead at Jabulani, in the outskirts of Nhlangano, where the couple stayed as live-in-lovers.

But the Vilakatis aren’t the only family grieving as the incident also left the man’s family heart-broken.
The Dlaminis (the man’s family) also have their homestead in the same area, and it is located about 800 metres away from the crime scene.

Attacked

The couple was allegedly attacked by a young family member while asleep in the house which they occupied in the Vilakati family compound, shortly after 11pm.
A 26-year-old suspect, a nephew to the dead woman, is already in police custody in relation to the incident. He was picked up by detectives at another homestead situated not far away from the crime scene at around 8am yesterday.

Even though the woman and her nephew might have quarrelled over a coat during a drinking spree at a nearby homestead, family members believe the resultant tragedy was due to a family dispute that’s been going on for a while.
Witnesses revealed that on Saturday, the couple was spotted in the company of the young man at a neighbouring homestead, where there was a traditional ceremony.

All members of the family were reported to have been consuming alcohol at the traditional event.
The weather on this particular day was not ideal for the outdoors as there was precipitation. As the day progressed, eyewitnesses said the young man felt he wasn’t adequately dressed to escape the cold. He then took his aunt’s coat, who wasn’t impressed by his behaviour. An argument ensued, which soon turned into a brawl.

Community members who had also come to support the family at the traditional event reportedly intervened and separated them.
The young man was also forced to hand over the coat his aunt. Witnesses said the event continued, but the family members went separate ways.
It was not clear though who departed first between the couple and their nephew.

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