ANC senior member and former Cabinet Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has expressed shock and dismay after her home was engulfed in flames at the Qutubeni village in the Eastern Cape Wednesday night.
Police confirmed they are investigating arson and burglary.
The fire broke out around 10pm, destroying the main house, while two other buildings on the property sustained broken windows.
Police spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said neighbours saw the fire and alerted the authorities.
“On police arrival, it was discovered that, out of three houses in the homestead, the main house was burnt down. The other two houses had their windows broken, and upon searching the premises, police discovered a comforter set,” Mgolodela said.
Sisulu’s sister, Andile Hlakula, who rushed to the scene, described the moment she received the news.
“I received a call from the village telling me that Lindi’s house was on fire. I then tried to wake some people to go and see what they could do, but unfortunately, the house was burnt to ash. The matter is with the police, and they are going to investigate what happened,” she said.
Sisulu herself expressed shock and dismay.
“I feel violated. That place has become my home, which is close to my heart and where I felt protected. When I heard the news, I was shocked,” she said.
A source close to Sisulu, speaking anonymously, linked the incident to previous attacks.
“They did the same in 2019 and 2022. The reported cases don’t go far. Talk about justice or the relentless persecution of an individual,” the source said.
“We don’t know whether it’s vutha [a spontaneous fire], arson, or politically motivated,” they added.
Ngcobo SAPS has launched a manhunt and is urging anyone with information to come forward. Detective Commander Lieutenant Colonel Thembelani Mfundisi can be contacted at 082 441 8433.
Cape Times