A devastating case of gender-based violence has rocked the community of Witbank, Mpumalanga, where a young woman is now clinging to life after being brutally set on fire by her boyfriend.
Nompumelelo Gumede, a 22-year-old woman with her whole life ahead of her, suffered horrific injuries after her boyfriend allegedly poured petrol over her and set her alight during a domestic altercation. The shocking incident has left both her family and the community in disbelief and outrage, as they rally for justice and support her through her recovery.
According to witnesses and police reports, the harrowing attack took place at a residence in Witbank. It is alleged that the couple had an argument which escalated to a violent and unimaginable conclusion. Without warning, the man is said to have grabbed a container of petrol, doused Nompumelelo, and ignited the flames.
Screams for help echoed through the neighborhood as flames engulfed her body. Neighbors rushed to her aid, managing to extinguish the fire and call for emergency assistance. Nompumelelo sustained severe burns to a large portion of her body and was rushed to a local hospital, where she remains in critical condition in the burn unit.
The suspect, whose name has not yet been released by authorities, was swiftly apprehended by police and is currently in custody. He is facing charges of attempted murder and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
Local authorities have condemned the attack in the strongest terms, with the Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson stating, “This is a tragic and disturbing act of violence that must be met with the full might of the law. No woman should ever have to endure such cruelty, especially at the hands of someone she trusted.”
Meanwhile, the community of Witbank has been left reeling, with many expressing deep anger and sadness at the latest example of extreme gender-based violence. Advocacy groups and women’s rights activists have once again called for urgent action to address the rising cases of abuse against women in South Africa.
Friends and family members of Nompumelelo have taken to social media to share their heartbreak, prayers, and appeals for justice. “She didn’t deserve this. She was kind, full of life, and had dreams. Now she’s fighting for her life because of someone who claimed to love her,” said one relative in a Facebook post.
A crowdfunding campaign has since been launched to assist with her medical costs, as she is expected to undergo multiple surgeries and require long-term care and rehabilitation.
As the country watches closely, many hope that this tragic case will not only bring justice for Nompumelelo but also serve as a wake-up call for stronger protections and harsher consequences for perpetrators of domestic violence.
Nompumelelo’s story is one of many — a grim reminder that the fight against gender-based violence must continue until women can live safely and freely in their homes and communities.
