The spotlight was recently turned to domestic violence cases where the victims were set alight by their partners in eMalahleni after a post about one of these cases went viral on social media.

The viral post on social media was placed by a family friend of the victim as a plea for assistance for the family after the victim was burned during a domestic violence attack on her. The plea proceeded to state that in December 2019 *Khethiwe Mahlangu was set alight after her boyfriend poured paraffin over her and lit a match, leaving her with severe burn wounds over her entire body.

*Mahlangu stated to the police that on December 21 in Old Coronation, she asked her boyfriend if she could go home to visit her child. An altercation started after the suspect declined her request to leave. She alleges that is it then when he doused her with paraffin and set her alight.

In a separate case on April 15 this year, Witbank Police were informed about a complaint of arson in Klarinet. On arrival, the officers found a charred house and two vehicles as the aftermath of yet another domestic dispute that went wrong.

On further investigation, the officers were informed that the victims involved in the incident were taken to the hospital for medical attention.

An eyewitness at the scene told police that the victim’s boyfriend was responsible for the incident after allegedly causing the fire with the gas stove in the home after a domestic dispute.

Both cases are currently being investigated as attempted murder cases.

Cpt Eddie Hall, Spokesperson of Witbank Police Station added that they are committed to proactive prevention of gender-based violence.

Founder of Hero Burn Foundation, Ms Annerie du Plooy immediately got involved in the case of the first victim after seeing the post on social media.

“Burn Abuse is one of the most severe Gender-Based Violence crimes in our country and is a considerable percentage of all Abuse cases reported nationally. These cases should rightfully be treated as attempted murder. Now more than ever we should be alert for Gender-based violence cases that go unreported. Lockdown has shown a steep increase in gender-based violence cases and so has specifically Burn Abuse. More often than not, the perpetrator sees the burning of his victim as a possible escape by ‘destroying’ the abuse evidence. Various organisations across the country should work closely together with authorities to not only do awareness but also get the necessary support for these victims before it is too late,” said du Plooy.

 

Community members can report gender-based related crimes to SAPS on 10111 or at Crime Stop number on 0860010111 or via SMS to 32211. Alternatively one can phone the National Gender-Based Violence toll-free number on 0800150150 or National Counseling line on 0861 123 321 or Legal aid on 0800 110 110.

“We urge the public to report all gender base related crimes as soon as possible to the police. Victims of physical or emotional abuse are urged to obtain protection or harassment orders at Witbank Magistrate court. The protection of our most vulnerable groups namely women and children are and will stay a priority for the police especially during the lockdown period,” Hall concluded.

 

*Khethiwe Mahlangu is an alias used to protect the identity of the victim.