Wearing a blue track top, grey sweatpants and brightly coloured sneakers with newly styled cornrows, Bonisiswe Gumede accused of starting the fire that claimed two lives and injured five others at a Nugget Street building, downtown Jozi, will remain in custody. A confident looking Gumede appeared briefly at the Johannesburg Magistrates Court today where her matter was postponed to May.

Gumede's defence attorney, Tutula Nduna, told the media outside court that the matter was postponed because investigations were not yet complete. "What is outstanding from the investigations is the photo album of the entire incident and the fire report is still outstanding. As the defence, we've decided to give the state enough time to collect outstanding evidence. Our client is still in police custody at Sun City and as far as we know, she's treated like any other prisoner and is not receiving any preferential treatment," Nduna said. Sizwe Cele, who died in the fire together with his lover, was buried more than a week ago after his family waited for a month for his DNA results as he was burnt beyond recognition.

Cele's uncle Msongelwa Mnisi said although the court postponements are a daunting process, they have to respect every court decision. "The magistrate said the matter is still being investigated so we'll have to be patient enough to let the law take its course," Mnisi said. He added that the family has had it tough, but they've managed to get the body and buried Cele on 2 March. "Burying him gave us a bit of closure. His siblings aren't coping at all, but I believe with time they will heal. It's been very tough but we will stick it out, "he said. Gumede is facing two counts of murder and a charge of arson after two people were burnt beyond recognition, five others were injured and more than a hundred families displaced due to the incident. It's alleged that Gumede set the building alight in a heated argument with her boyfriend. She abandoned her bail bid and will be back in court in the second week of May.