Teenage girl burned by boyfriend
A brutal story told from the heart of parents who lost their daughter two months ago.
“People watched as my 18-year-old daughter cried for help while the flames pierced through her flesh,” said a grieving mother, Nonfuneko Charlie.
Nobody knows exactly what happened on the day of Juliette Charlie’s tragic death and whether an argument ensued before her boyfriend allegedly set her alight.
According to Nonfuneko her daughter was visiting a group of friends in Roodepoort when she apparently disappeared with her ex-boyfriend. She was missing for three days before three of her friends told her parents she is in hospital after she was set alight.
Her boyfriend allegedly poured paraffin over her before setting her alight in a jealous rage.
“She died in hospital seven days later,” said Nonfuneko.
She said the suspect’s sister gave a photo of him to the police. When they went to his house to arrest him, he allegedly was nowhere to be found.
Juliette’s father, Edward Mazwai expressed his dissatisfaction with the Roodepoort Police.
He kept his hands tightly folded on his lap throughout the interview.
“When I went to Roodepoort Police Station to ask why my daughter’s killer has not been arrested yet, they told me I must be patient because it could take up to five years to solve.
“They [the policemen] rudely chased me away when I went back to enquire about the case and said they will arrest me if I continue to bother them about the case because I am a foreigner. I am confused and feel hopeless because I was told [by the policemen] not to say a word about it,” he said.
When the Record asked Nonhlanhla Khumalo, Roodepoort Police spokesperson about the allegations made by Mazwai, she said she was unaware of it.
Khumalo said, “Several attempts have been made to arrest the suspect, but he always gets away.”
The case is under investigation and anyone who has information can contact the Roodepoort Police Station on 011 279 6400.
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