Mr Pet Dumisane Thanjekwayo appeared in absentia in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 26 May in connection with murder.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police issued a statement on 25 May, indicating that the 35-year-old man allegedly torched his girlfriend, Ms Nompumelelo Ntokozo Mamela (23) to death.
The incident occurred in Sakhile on 24 May.
According to information, the suspect was last seen in a shack with his girlfriend.
The family members were shocked after realising the shack was burning.
The news then broke that the suspect escaped the fire with some burn wounds, leaving his girlfriend behind.
Lieut-Col IE Mbatha of Sakhile Police said the neighbours suddenly smelled smoke, saw the flames and went to check what was happening.
They shouted at the suspect to come out of the shack. He ran to the nearest clinic and was rushed to Standerton Hospital.
He was expected to be discharged on Tuesday, 25 May after being treated for minor injuries and will be detained at the police station.
The investigation is still in process.
Emergency services and police were summoned to the scene where his girlfriend was certified dead.
Police suspect foul play as the man is believed to have allegedly started the fire.
“The incident has been strongly condemned and viewed as despicable by the management of police in Mpumalanga,” Maj-Gen Thulani Phahla said.
“We urge the community to seek professional help whenever facing challenges, rather than turning against each other.”
The investigation is still in progress.
The court case was postponed to 3 June.
