Receptionist’s E32 500 property burnt by love rival

A receptionist at one of the country’s hotels incurred a loss of E32 500 when her property, which was in her employer’s house was set alight allegedly by a love rival.

The incident happened on Saturday night at the establishment’s quarters in the Manzini region. Sources privy to details of the matter said the 21-year-old receptionist’s property was destroyed by a former employee of the establishment.

They said it was around 10pm when the fire broke out and almost destroyed attached houses occupied by other employees.

Sources said this was shortly after the receptionist had left the house and had been reportedly seen boarding a car of a regular customer who was allegedly involved with both women. Impeccable sources said the man at the centre of the love triangle had promised to check up on the former worker at her place of abode in Ngwane Park. However, the time that the man had promised to visit her passed, so she called him on his cellphone.

Sources said the former worker grew suspicious when she could not comprehend what her partner was saying, so she got transport from Ngwane Park to the hotel on the same night. While at the hotel, sources said she saw her partner’s car parked in front of the receptionist’s house. Coincidentally, sources said this was the same house that the former worker occupied while she was still working at the same establishment.

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As she watched from a distance, insiders said the former worker allegedly saw the receptionist board the man’s car before they drove off.

Suspicious and angry that the receptionist might be romantically involved with her partner, the former worker is alleged to have gone to the woman’s house and set it alight, reducing everything that was inside the house to ashes.

“The fire was so huge that none of the 21-year-old’s property could be saved. The fire proceeded to seep through to neighbouring houses. Luckily, fire-fighters arrived in time to save these houses,” said a source.

The suspect, who is originally from Malindza was later arrested and charged with arson.

Acting Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni confirmed that property worth E32 500 was burnt and that a suspect was arrested in connection to the offence.