Dad blows up kids, himself
2003-07-03 08:47
Johannesburg - An East Rand man killed his two daughters and himself by using a gas cylinder to blow up the family car outside their home, police said.
Annaline Prinsloo said it appeared Phineas Thabo Mohala, 37, of Tsakane Extension Five, Brakpan, had bought a gas cylinder and opened it in his Volkswagen Golf, filling the car with gas.
He had his two daughters, one aged seven and the other seven months, with him.
He apparently struck a match, causing an explosion and a fire which killed all three instantly. Part of the roof of the house collapsed on to the car in the blast.
Prinsloo said Mohala and his wife were separated and were contemplating divorce.
The husband had the girls with him for the school holidays.
A neighbour said Mohala had spoken earlier in the afternoon of taking his own life, but then thought he was feeling better.
Mohala's wife has been told and was treated for shock in hospital, said Prinsloo.
- SAPA