A Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor in KwaZulu-Natal accused of having killed his family will remain in police custody until his next appearance on Thursday.
Michael Buthelezi appeared in the Bergville Magistrates Court following his arrest yesterday.
KZN police nabbed Buthelezi in Ladysmith, three months after his wife, their two daughters, and a son died when their house in Bergville caught fire.
The councillor sustained severe burn wounds in the October alleged arson attack and he was the only survivor in the ordeal.
At the time of the incident, Buthelezi had said he remembered hearing two explosions before the fire started adding that he believed he was targeted.
Buthelezi is now facing charges of murder, arson and defeating the ends of justice.
DA provincial leader, Francois Rodgers, has expressed shock over the arrest.
However, he says, Buthelezi must face the full might of the law, should the justice system prove his guilt.
“If it happens to be a member of the DA that is found guilty then there should be no special treatment. This type of behaviour is abnormal in our society, and it cannot be tolerated. No matter where it comes from,” he says.
Rodgers says the DA will provide the police with all the information they need to ensure justice for “this terrible deed”.
He adds that the DA’s federal legal commission is also investigating the incident.
“We are not going to investigate the criminal matter. We are going to look at the severity of the case. From a party perspective, the province will also be notifying the chairperson of the federal legal commission that internal process will now be followed federal legal commission.”
The case was postponed to Thursday for Buthelezi to secure legal representation.
Written by: Nonhlanhla Harris
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