Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal – Six people appeared in the Inkanyezi District Court in Eshowe on Monday following a fire that left five people dead, the National Prosecuting Authority in KwaZulu-Natal said.

The matter was postponed to August 21, when they were expected to apply for bail, spokeswoman Natasha Ramkisson said.

During their last court appearance in July, Lucky Nzuza, 30, Khiswa Nzuza, 33, Samkelo Mhlongo, 25, Nkanyiso Magwaza, 28, Tholithemba Shandu, 25, and Sibusiso Mkwanyana, 36, told the court they needed legal aid.

A seventh person, a minor, had also been arrested and would appear in court separately.

The six men and the child face five murder charges, three of attempted murder, one of arson, and one of malicious damage to property. They allegedly set fire to four houses in a homestead in the Mbongolwane area in July.

Thulisile Mnyango, 50, Cebile Mnyango, 21, Lungelo Mnyango, 17, Mlamuli Mnyango, 10, and two-year-old Qiniso Mnyango, died in one of the houses.

Three people escaped the blaze. Two cows were also found stabbed to death.

Sapa