VEREENIGING – A man who allegedly poured petrol on his girlfriend and set her on fire had his legs wrapped in white bandages last week Wednesday when he briefly appeared in court.

Stephan van Staden, who is on trial for the murder of Linell du Toit, has been released from the Sebokeng Hospital where he was treated for burn wounds.

He was taken to Leeuhof Prison last week.

Van Staden also appeared to be limping as he walked up the steps between the holding cells and the court toward the dock.

Members of the community filled the court benches.

Van Staden’s mother, Jenny, was also present and exclaimed, “I love you, Stephan,” as he was led back to the holding cells after the brief appearance.

Van Staden stopped and glanced briefly in his mother’s direction before walking back down the stairs.

He remains in custody until his next appearance. Regional Magistrate Chris Kruger adjourned the case until November 27, when Van Staden can apply for bail.

The case was adjourned so that Van Staden’s address could be verified before the bail application.

Outside the court, a group of people protested peacefully with placards and shouted: “Justice for Linell.” One of the protesters played singer Alicia Keys’ song This Girl is on Fire on a loudspeaker. One of the posters read: “Mamma’s boy, you are a murderer. No bail for Stephan van Staden.”

* Linell du Toit suffered third to fourth-degree burns over 80% of her body during the incident which took place on October 26 at the apartment she and Van Staden shared in Unie Street in Vereeniging.

She died due to her injuries after almost a week in the Sebokeng Hospital.

In a sensational video recorded shortly before her death, she claimed that Van Staden set her on fire. Linell also claimed that Van Staden told her to say it was an accident. “It wasn’t an accident,” she said as she winced from the pain and shock.