VEREENIGING – The irony is glaring: A man who allegedly poured petrol over his wife and set her alight is expected to return to the Vereeniging Regional Court on Valentine’s Day, where he stands trial on a charge of murder.

Stephan van Staden, who is charged with the murder of his life partner, Linell du Toit (42), appeared briefly in court on January 13. The case was adjourned for further investigation until February 14 as the state still awaits the post-mortem report.

Van Staden remains in custody.

Du Toit succumbed to her injuries in the Sebokeng Hospital about a week after the horrific incident, which took place on October 26 last year at their apartment in Union Street in Vereeniging.

The tragedy sparked public outrage, with community members protesting outside the court during previous appearances to oppose Van Staden’s bail application.

A video widely distributed on Facebook before Du Toit’s death contributed to this public sentiment.

In the recording, the deceased claims that Van Staden instructed her to say that the fire was an accident.

In the video, the deceased maintains that it was not an accident and that Van Staden set her alight.

Van Staden’s next court appearance, which falls on Valentine’s Day – a day traditionally associated with love and commitment – highlights the devastating impact of this alleged violent act, which left a community mourning and calling for justice.