Shock as South Maragoli man burns parents' house 'over a carrier bag'

According to Rose Makungu, a resident of Emuguva Chagenda Sub-location in South Maragoli, her step-son had threatened her and proceeded to burn the family’s house.

“He then went to his two roomed house, burnt it and disappeared,” she said.

“The genesis of this incident is a carrier bag my step-son lent my niece to carry vegetables in. I had plucked some vegetables for my niece but when he son saw her with it, he suddenly had a change of heart and wanted to take it back,” Makungu said.

She alleged that the man went ahead to abuse her for letting her niece use the bag.

Makungu said the family went out on Sunday, only to find their house had been torched and her step-son had gone missing.

Francis Odari, the father of the suspect said, “I cautioned my son against abusing my wife and creating a scene at home. When I left, he lit my mosquito net on fire, burning our belongings. Neighbours managed to save our cattle but other items were reduced to ashes as the boy also burnt his house and disappeared into thin air.”

He continued, “I am confused. I don’t know the whereabouts of the boy until now. At the same time I have to brace myself for the Maragoli hills cold when night falls with the ongoing rains worsening the situation,” Odari said, urging local leaders and well-wishers to step in to assist.

Neighbours, led by area village elder Simon Oleve, have condemned the incident urging authorities to arrest the suspect.

“We don’t know if the accused is alive or not. We want our leaders to join the community to help this family,” he said.