Man dies after setting himself alight
The woman who was allegedly set alight by her boyfriend has survived the horrific incident.
THE man who set his girlfriend and then himself alight died as a result of his injuries at the RK Khan Hospital.
Police are are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred outside the Pinetown Home Affairs Department premises on Friday night.
According to Lieutenant Bongumusa Manqele, spokesman for the Pinetown SAPS, police responded to a report at around 8pm and found two people who had been burnt outside the Pinetown Driving School gate next to the Pinetown Home Affairs Department.
The 26-year-old man allegedly set his girlfriend and then himself alight using petrol. He later died at the RK Khan Hospital, but the 33-year-old woman survived.
“The man lived in the KwaMashu Hostel and the woman now lives in Pinetown, but she is from Port Shepstone. The motive behind his actions is unknown at this stage, and a case of attempted murder was opened at Pinetown police station for further investigation,” said Lt Manqele.
Following are safety tips to avoid becoming a victim of an abusive relationship, or an incident like the one reported above:
It may be easier to avoid an abusive relationship if you are able to detect the early signs. The following warning signs of an abusive relationship can help you get the help you need. There is jealousy. Your partner is excessively possessive, calls constantly or visits unexpectedly. He is controlling. He interrogates you intensely about who you talked to and where you were; checks mileage on the car; keeps all the money or asks for receipts; insists you ask for permission to go anywhere or do anything. He has unrealistic expectations.
He expects you to be a ‘perfect’ person and meet his every need. There is isolation. He tries to cut you off from family and friends, deprives you of a phone or car, or tries to prevent you from holding a job. He blames others for his own mistakes – his boss, family, you – it’s always someone else’s fault if anything goes wrong. He makes everyone else responsible for his feelings. The abuser says, “You make me angry,” instead of “I’m angry.” There is hypersensitivity. He is easily insulted and will often rant and rave about injustices that are just part of life. He is cruel to animals and children. He kills or punishes animals brutally.
He also may expect children to do things beyond their ability, or tease them until they cry. He has a past of battering. He admits to hitting women in the past, but states that they or the situation brought it on. There are threats of violence. He makes statements such as, “I’ll break your neck,” but then dismisses it with “I really didn’t mean it.”
If you are in n abusive relationship and are seeking advice or assistance, contact the Open Door Crisis Centre in Pinetown on 031 709 2679.
