Lindiwe Sisulu, a senior ANC member and former Cabinet Minister, was left in shock and dismay after her home in Qutubeni village, Eastern Cape, was destroyed by fire on Wednesday night. The fire, which broke out around 10 pm, engulfed the main house while causing damage to two other buildings on the property, including broken windows.
Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident as arson and burglary. The fire was first spotted by neighbors, who quickly alerted authorities. When police arrived on the scene, they discovered that the main house had been completely destroyed, while the two other buildings had broken windows. During the investigation, a comforter set was found on the property, raising further suspicions about the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Sisulu’s sister, Andile Hlakula, recalled the shocking moment she was informed about the fire. “I received a call from the village telling me that Lindi’s house was on fire. I tried to get some people to help, but by the time we arrived, the house had already been reduced to ash,” she said.
Sisulu, herself visibly shaken, expressed her feelings of violation and sadness. “That place has become my home, which is close to my heart and where I felt protected. When I heard the news, I was shocked,” Sisulu said.
A source close to Sisulu, who wished to remain anonymous, speculated that the fire may be linked to previous attacks on Sisulu’s property. The source mentioned similar incidents in 2019 and 2022, which were reportedly not thoroughly investigated. “We don’t know whether it’s a spontaneous fire, arson, or politically motivated,” the source added.
The Ngcobo SAPS has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators and is urging anyone with information to come forward. Detective Commander Lieutenant Colonel Thembelani Mfundisi has been assigned to the case and can be contacted at 082 441 8433.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about whether this latest incident is part of a broader pattern of attacks targeting Sisulu, raising concerns about both personal safety and the pursuit of justice.
