A man is fighting for his life in hospital while his girlfriend and child have died after one of the parents allegedly is said to have set their house on fire after they had a domestic dispute. It's alleged that Ayanda Buthelezi from KwaPata in Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu Natal had an argument with his girlfriend and the mother of his son, Phumzile Malinga ,on Saturday night before one of them set the house on fire.

The couple's two-year-old son was burnt alive as the fire was too strong for anyone to save him. According to the ANC local ward councillor Themba Ngubane, "I can confirm that the incident took place on Saturday and that Buthelezi is currently fighting for his life in hospital while the mother of his child and the child passed away in the fire," Ngubane said.

He added that neighbours came out to find out what was happening because they had heard the couple arguing earlier. "Phumzile who was trapped inside the house with her son told the neighbours that Buthelezi set the house on fire after they had a domestic dispute," Ngubane said. But when Buthelezi was rescued from the raging fire, he told the neighbours that his girlfriend was the one who that set them alight with petrol after they had an argument. The woman begged the neighbours to help her get her and their child from the burning house but unfortunately, the blaze was too much and no one was able to get inside the house and rescue the young boy. Her mother was rescued but succumbed to injuries. " It is now up to the police to investigate and get to the bottom of what really happened," Ngubane said.

Ngubane told ZiMoja that the couple was always fighting, and that there was always alcohol involved before the fights. KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the incident. "Plessislaer Police are investigating two counts of murder and one of arson following an incident that occurred at Pata Location on 3 February 2024. It is reported that a two-year-old child was burnt to death when the house was set alight, allegedly by one of his parents during an argument. The mother sustained burnt wounds all over her body and was rushed to hospital for medical attention where she later succumbed to her injuries. Phumzile succumbed to her injuries in hospital on Sunday while their child passed away on the scene.