Former Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu’s village home destroyed in suspected arson attack

Former Intelligence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu’s village home in the Qutubeni administrative area, outside Ngcobo, was engulfed in flames on Wednesday night, 12 February, in what police are treating as arson and burglary.

The fire broke out around 10pm, destroying the main house, while two other buildings on the property sustained broken windows.

Police spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said neighbours saw the fire and alerted the authorities.

“On police arrival, it was discovered that, out of three houses in the homestead, the main house was burnt down. The other two houses had their windows broken, and upon searching the premises, police discovered a comforter set,” Mgolodela said.

Sisulu’s brother, Andile Hlakula, who rushed to the scene, described the moment he received the news.

“I received a call from the village telling me that Lindi’s house was on fire. I then tried to wake some people to go and see what they could do, but unfortunately, the house was burnt to ash. The matter is with the police, and they are going to investigate what happened,” he said.

A source close to Sisulu, speaking anonymously, linked the incident to previous attacks.

“They did the same in 2019 and 2022. The reported cases don’t go far. Talk about justice or the relentless persecution of an individual,” the source said.

“We don’t know whether it’s vutha [a spontaneous fire], arson, or politically motivated,” he added.

Sisulu herself expressed shock and dismay.

“I feel violated. 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,” she said.

Ngcobo SAPS has launched a manhunt and is urging anyone with information to come forward. Detective Commander Lieutenant Colonel Thembelani Mfundisi can be contacted at 082 441 8433.

IOL News