Deadly fire in Matlemele: SERNIC detains neighbor and seizes fuel drums

The National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) has arrested a citizen identified as the main suspect in the arson attack on a residence in the Matlemele neighborhood, Matola municipality, which resulted in the death of the homeowner and left one of her three minor children hospitalized.

The arrest comes as a result of investigations carried out by SERNIC (National Criminal Investigation Service) and a complaint filed by residents of the area. During the search of the suspect's home, officers reportedly seized four containers of fuel, which will now be part of the investigation into the circumstances of the fire.

According to reports from residents, authorities conducted forensic work and have identified the victim's neighbor as a suspect in the crime. They claim the man attempted to leave the area and subsequently made statements linking him to the fire. This information has not yet been officially confirmed by SERNIC (National Criminal Investigation Service).

The police activity led several residents of Matlemele to gather near the suspect's residence. Some residents expressed outrage and called for measures to be taken to ensure the community's safety.

One of the residents confirmed the seizure of the four containers with fuel and stated that the suspect has not approached the victim's residence since the fire occurred. The resident also reported an alleged similar incident involving the suspect's former partner, but this information lacks official confirmation.

The fire, which occurred last week, engulfed a residence where a woman and her three children were present. All were injured, but the homeowner suffered serious injuries and remained hospitalized for several days.

The victim died as a result of their injuries, leaving behind three minor children. One of the children remains hospitalized.

The victim's husband was in Inhambane province on a work trip when he received news of the fire. Devastated by his wife's death, he maintains that the investigations must continue until the perpetrator or perpetrators of the fire are identified and held accountable.

The family had initially reported that the residence had been set on fire by unknown individuals, allegedly using gasoline. With the arrest of the neighbor and the seizure of the containers containing fuel, expectations are rising regarding the results of the investigation.

SERNIC will continue with the investigations to clarify the motivation for the fire, determine the origin of the seized fuel, and establish, based on evidence, the possible criminal responsibility of the detainee.

To date, authorities have not publicly released all the details of the investigation.