LIMPOPO – Police in Bela-Bela are investigating a case of murder following the death of a 24-year-old woman who sustained severe burn injuries during a domestic-related incident in Noodhulp on May 31.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said that on the day of the incident, the victim and her 36-year-old boyfriend were involved in a heated argument.

During the altercation, the accused left the scene and later returned carrying a flammable substance. The substance was poured over the victim before she was set alight.

Both admitted to hospital

The man reportedly sustained burn injuries to his hands during the incident.

Both he and the victim were admitted to Bela-Bela Hospital for medical treatment. Police were summoned to the hospital, where a case of attempted murder was opened.

Following investigations, the boyfriend was arrested on June 8 and charged with attempted murder.

He appeared before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on June 10 and was remanded in custody. He is expected to reappear on June 17 for a formal bail application.

Victim succumbs to injuries

On June 12, the victim succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical treatment. As a result, the case has since been upgraded from attempted murder to murder.