A relative of the woman who set herself alight on Monday has described her condition as critical.
The woman sustained serious burns after setting herself on fire outside a liquor store in Randgate on Monday, 10 July at about 4.10pm.
Read initial article here: Woman sets herself alight in public
The Herald has been in touch with a family member, Elsabé Berning, who confirmed on Wednesday morning that the woman is under anaesthesia and has been moved to the burn unit ICU in the Leratong Provincial Hospital. She is 53 years of age.
“She is not doing well. Her whole face is covered in paraffin gauze and they have closed her eyes with cotton wool pads. She is under anaesthesia and unable to communicate,” said Elsabé.
The Herald has also spoken to another witness, Thembinkosi Mota, who said, “I was there when it all happened. I used my blue jersey to douse the fire.”
The family is asking the community to assist the woman to receive the treatment she requires.
Also Read: UPDATE: Woman sets herself alight
According to Berning, “She needs to be taken care of and the family does not have the finances to provide for her treatment”.
As previously reported by the Herald, the woman had been asking for work in the Randgate area throughout the day. Berning also mentioned that the woman has struggled with psychological problems for the past nine years, but if she takes her medication on a regular basis, she is very friendly and loving. She added that the woman has had a tough time in life.
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