Cop sets house on fire, kills daughters

2011-07-31 16:04

Durban - A Newlands West, Durban policeman killed his two daughters by setting their home alight and then committed suicide, police said on Sunday.

"In the early hours of Sunday Newlands police officers attended a complaint of a house that was on fire at Conger Place. On arrival, police found two bodies inside the house," said police spokesperson Thulani Zwane.

The bodies of Nondumiso, 23 and Nonjabulo Makhanya, 18, "were burnt beyond recognition", said Zwane.

"The body of their father, Warrant Officer Thulani Makhanya, 52, was found few metres away from his house with burn marks and a stab wound to his right side of the neck," he said.

A knife was found next to his body. Police suspect he stabbed himself after setting the house alight.

Makhanya's wife, Cynthia, 47, and their youngest daughter, 15-year-old Nothando survived and were taken to hospital having suffered burn wounds. Police said Cynthia was a in critical condition. Makhany was stationed at the Durban Magistrate's Court.

Police were investigating two murder counts, two of attempted murder and one of arson.
 
          
       
          
    
          
    
    
          
    
          

- SAPA