Angry man sets house on fire

Angry man sets house on fire

JAMBI, Jambi: A 35-year old man, identified only as H.J., is currently being tried for setting a relative's house on fire.

H.M. Toha, a lecturer at the University of Jambi, was inside his house last September when the arsonist arrived, poured kerosene around the house and ignited it. Toha said he only had time to throw on some clothes and save his car. When he tried to put the fire out, H.J. threatened him with a machete.

Toha said H.J. had tried to burn the house down last January, but local security personnel were able to stop him. "He accused me of playing favorites, of helping his brothers and sisters more," Toha told the judges. "It's not true. I always tried to help him."

The fire caused Toha estimated losses of Rp 150 million (US$65,645), Antara reported. (swe)