Woman’s fiery death: man arrested

POLICE are investigating a murder following the death of Jackie Naidoo. She burnt to death in a fire at her home in Westham, Phoenix, last week.

Naidoo, 35, lived in a two-bedroom council flat with her 12-year-old son and her partner of four years, Shaun Naicker.

On May 9, after her son left for school, Naicker packed his belongings and left the home in Naidoo’s car.

Moments later, her neighbours heard glass exploding and then saw the fire. They called the fire department and police for help.

Naidoo was found lying on her stomach

on her bed. Her African grey parrots also died.

Naicker was arrested shortly after the incident.

He was charged with murder and appeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court last Wednesday. The matter was adjourned until Wednesday for a bail application.

Naidoo’s sister, Colleen Vermeulen, said her sister was in an abusive relationship and was grateful an arrest was made.

Poobalan Pillay, Naidoo’s uncle, said: “If abuse happens, even one time, leave the relationship. We want women to learn from what happened to Jackie.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala, a police spokesperson, said: “We can confirm the arrest. The charge has been changed from an inquest to murder”.