In a terrifying act of revenge, a woman in Giyani, Limpopo, barely escaped with her life after her ex-boyfriend allegedly set her shack ablaze.

According to Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, officers arrested a 46-year-old man in connection with an alleged arson attack that took place on March 20 at around 9 PM.

Mashaba stated that a 36-year-old woman from Homu Village was inside her shack when she allegedly heard her ex-boyfriend threatening to set it on fire. When she opened the door, she saw the suspect standing in her yard, holding a container — believed to contain petrol—and a box of matches.

He added that the woman escaped and hid nearby before the suspect could ignite the shack.

“The victim fled the shack and hid nearby. The suspect allegedly proceeded to puncture a JoJo water tank with a sharp object before pouring a flammable substance over the shack and setting it alight.”

Emergency services, including police and firefighters, rushed to the scene, but the blaze had already consumed the shack and belongings worth an estimated R20 000.

Mashaba also mentioned that charges of arson and malicious damage to property were swiftly filed.

“Cases of arson and malicious property damage were immediately opened, and the suspect, who resides in the same village, was swiftly apprehended. Preliminary investigations further revealed that the victim had an active protection order against the suspect,” he added.

The suspect is set to appear before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on March 24, facing charges of arson, malicious property damage, and breaching a protection order.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated case, police officers have apprehended a male suspect in connection with a rape incident of a 17-year-old girl that took place on March 21 in Sekhukhune, Limpopo.

Mashaba explained that the victim met the 32-year-old male suspect while returning from her friend's house. The suspect allegedly threatened to kill her if she didn’t accompany him to his place, and she agreed.

“The suspect allegedly took out a knife and threatened to kill her if she did not follow him to his place and she complied. Upon their arrival, he locked her inside the house and pushed her on the bed.”

Mashaba further stated that the victim tried to fight off the suspect but was overpowered and raped. Afterwards, she managed to run out of the house but fell and sustained minor bruises to her thighs and knees.

He added that a rape case was immediately opened, and a massive search was launched for the suspect.

“Upon arrival at home, the rape incident was immediately reported to the local police, resulting in a massive search for the suspect. The suspect was ultimately apprehended at his residence in Mogaladi village on Saturday, March 22,” he added.

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the arrests of both suspects and strongly condemned all forms of gender-based violence and violence against vulnerable individuals.

She also urged community members who are facing threats or abuse to seek help without delay.

“The law must take its course without fear or favour, enough is enough,” said Hadebe.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za