Man Accused of Setting Girlfriend on Fire to Reappear in Court

A 22-year-old woman who had been fighting for her life in the hospital after being set on fire by her boyfriend has tragically passed away. The accused, Innocent Sthembiso Maseko, is scheduled to appear in court again at the beginning of September.

Maseko, who first appeared in the Carolina Magistrate’s Court on August 22, faces serious charges following the incident. The case was postponed to September 4 for a formal bail application.

According to Colonel Donald Mdhluli, a spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), Maseko allegedly poured flammable liquid on his girlfriend and set her alight. Witnesses report that the woman was seen engulfed in flames while Maseko continued to pour the liquid from a two-liter container.

Community members intervened, attempting to extinguish the fire before the woman was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical treatment. Despite their efforts, the woman succumbed to her injuries.

After the incident, Maseko fled the scene but was apprehended later the same day. The case has drawn significant attention and concern from the local community, who await further developments in the court proceedings.