A woman (22) is currently fighting for her life in the hospital after she was allegedly set alight by her boyfriend on August 20.
According to Colonel Donald Mdhluli, provincial police spokesperson, the suspect poured flammable liquid on the woman.
“Neighbours were woken up by the noise of a woman screaming for help in the early hours of the morning at about 03:00, and went out to investigate,” said Mdhluli.
The neighbours saw a woman in agony, indulged with flames, while the man was busy pouring liquid from a two-litre container on her.
When he realised that the neighbours were coming to her rescue, the man fled the scene.
“The neighbours did their best to extinguish the fire and the woman was taken to hospital for medical treatment.”
The police were called out to the scene of the incident and a case of attempted murder has since been opened.
Police immediately commenced with the investigation, leading to the suspect being apprehended on the same day.
He is expected to appear in the Carolina Magistrate’s Court on August 22, facing charges of attempted murder.
The acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has strongly condemned the domestic violence incident.
“We are really disturbed by these types of incidents of violence perpetuated against women during August when we celebrate Women’s Month.
“The swift arrest of the suspect is well commended and we hope that justice will be served for the victim.
“This shows our commitment to deal decisively with crime against women and children. We wish a speedy recovery to the victim,” said Mkhwanazi.
