Mpumalanga Man to Face Court for Allegedly Setting Two Women on Fire

A 35-year-old man from Mpumalanga is scheduled to appear in the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, charged with attempted murder following a horrifying incident where he allegedly set two women on fire. The attack, which took place on the evening of Wednesday, 23 July 2025, has left the victims in critical condition, battling severe burn injuries in the hospital.

Police reports reveal that the man reportedly targeted two women during the attack. The first victim, a 21-year-old woman, is identified as the mother of his children. The second victim, aged 23, is related to the suspect and was reportedly trying to intervene when she was also caught in the flames.

Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), confirmed that the victims sustained extensive burns and were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical treatment. “Both women are still in a critical state and fighting for their lives,” he said.

The brutal assault shook the local community, prompting immediate action from residents who quickly alerted the police. Thanks to their swift reporting, law enforcement officials were able to track down and arrest the suspect within hours of the incident. He was apprehended around 9 pm on the same day, roughly three hours after the attack occurred.

“The fast response by police and community members was crucial in apprehending the suspect and preventing any further harm,” Mdhluli said. “We are committed to ensuring that perpetrators of such violent crimes are held accountable.”

The incident has drawn strong condemnation from provincial police leadership. Acting Provincial Commissioner for Mpumalanga, Major General Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed outrage at the attack and reiterated the police’s dedication to supporting victims of gender-based violence. “This act is utterly unacceptable and will be met with the full force of the law,” he stated.

Major General Mkhwanazi also called on community leaders, faith organisations, and civil society groups to intensify their collaboration with law enforcement in the ongoing fight against gender-based violence. “We cannot tackle this scourge alone. It requires a united effort from all sectors of society,” he added.

Gender-based violence remains a critical challenge in South Africa, with many women facing threats and violence daily. Cases like this highlight the urgent need for continued vigilance, community involvement, and effective law enforcement.

The suspect faces two counts of attempted murder. If found guilty, he could face a long prison sentence.

Meanwhile, the victims’ families and local community members are hoping for a full recovery. Police have appealed to anyone with further information about the case to come forward to assist in the investigation.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the violence many women endure and underscores the importance of continued efforts to protect vulnerable groups and bring offenders to justice.