SA man in UK court over girl’s death

A man accused of the murder of a six-year-old girl following a house fire in 2004 is appearing before magistrates in Crawley.

Dumo Sibanda died from smoke inhalation after a fire at her home in the West Sussex town more than six years ago.

George Champion Sithole is also charged with arson with intent to endanger life and with arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Mr Sithole, of no fixed address, was extradited to the UK from South Africa.

Extradition hearing

Other members of Dumo’s family escaped the blaze in Banks Road, Pound Hill, on 26 October, but she was found inside the house.

Dumo was taken to hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

In December 2009, Mr Sithole, 41, was arrested in South Africa on suspicion of her murder.

An extradition was agreed at a court hearing in Johannesburg on 4 February this year.

Det Ch Insp Nick May, from Sussex Police, said: “Sussex Police are grateful for the help and co-operation that we have received from the South African authorities in returning Mr Sithole to the UK.”

Mr Sithole was appearing in court on Wednesday morning.