BY REGINALD KANYANE
Tlhabane- Police are investigating a case of malicious damage to property after a 35-year-old man died after he allegedly attempted to commit suicide by setting fire on his estranged wife vehicle on Tuesday, at about 05:00 near Tlhabane Police Station.

According to information received, the suspect who was allegedly aggressive had domestic violence-related problems with his estranged wife.

North West police said the man drove to the Tlhabane police station where
he followed his wife who went to lay a charge of malicious damage to property against him.

“This was after an argument ensued at the woman’s place of dwelling. It is alleged that the deceased had damaged his wife’s cellphone by throwing it on the floor. 

“As he arrived at the parking in front of the police station gate and allegedly poured petrol all over the vehicle he was driving” Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.

Ngubane said as the deceased parked the car he allegedly bumped into the police vehicle which had parked next to his vehicle.

“This made the police to register a case of malicious damage to state property against the deceased.

“As the Police asked the man to step out of his vehicle, he refused the instruction and allegedly set the vehicle alight as he was inside” Ngubane said.

Police  responded immediately as they were next to the vehicle and rescued the deceased without visible injuries.

Emergency Medical Services were summoned to the scene in order to  give him first aid and take him to the local hospital for medical treatment, but he allegedly refused profusely.

The suspect was then arrested.

“He was allegedly reported vomiting at about 05h00 in the morning and EMRS services were called again and he was certified dead on arrival. His death is still unknown as police are still waiting for the post-mortem results and an inquest docket has been opened” he said.

The investigation by IPID to establish the course of death are underway.
-TDN
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