Dad held for assaulting mom, trying to burn mom and toddler son to death (Pretoria, South Africa)

UNNAMED DAD is being held for "allegedly" assaulting his wife and trying to murder the wife and their toddler son by barricading them inside the bedroom--just moments before Dad "allegedly" set some clothes on fire. The mother and child managed to force their way out of the bedroom just moments before the room was totally engulfed in flames.

http://www.thestar.co.za/?fSectionId=493&fArticleId=vn20100111081608890C238081

Dad held for trying to set family alight
11 January 2010, 10:31

By Graeme Hosken

An enraged Pretoria father allegedly tried to burn his wife and toddler son to death when he set a cupboard full of clothes alight, totally destroying the house.

The attack, which occurred in Wonderboom South on Sunday, began after the man, who cannot be named until he has appeared in court, allegedly assaulted his wife after a heated argument.

So fierce was the fire that the flames damaged a neighbouring house, forcing the occupants to flee to safety.

The man is thought to have set the clothes alight with a cigarette lighter before trying to barricade himself, his wife and infant son inside the bedroom.

The woman grabbed the child and managed to force her way out of the bedroom moments before it was engulfed by the flames.

Police from the Gauteng rapid response unit, who were on patrol in the area, arrested the suspect as he fled from the burning house.

It is believed that he was trying to chase after his wife, who sought shelter with a neighbour, when he was caught.

A police spokeswoman, constable Patricia Simelane, confirmed the attack and said that the husband had been charged with attempted murder and arson.

She said that no one was injured and that the suspect would appear in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court today.