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Couple of Indian origin burnt to death in South Africa

Durban: A young couple of Indian origin was burnt to death in a fire in their shop at Eshow, a town in KwaZulu-Natal province.

Fiaz Motala (22) and his wife Tahira (21) were trapped behind the counter of their cellphone shop when a man poured some liquid and set it on fire, eyewitnesses said.

The man had been arrested and charged with two counts of murder and one of arson, police said.

KwaZulu-Natal province has been witnessing violence that mostly targeted ethnic Indians.

Community members have expressed shock and anger, and called for immediate action by the authorities.

Tony Subramoney, a businessman, said "the couple had to lock themselves behind bars because of the robberies they had experienced. The situation is getting out of hand and we need action."

The incident is the latest in a series of incidents in which people of Indian origin have been targeted in and around Durban, which has the largest concentration of Indians in South Africa.

Last year, Keegan Naidu, a clerk working in Isipingo Rail, south of Durban, was shot dead after being abducted along with his friend by gunmen. — PTI

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