Burnt victim recovers in hospital as suspect walks free
The police have also received complaint from the family that the suspect is intimidating them and witnesses and that they are also concerned about the safety of the victim.
The young woman, who was doused with paraffin and set alight allegedly by her fiancée, is still fighting for her life at Tambo Memorial Hospital where she is being treated.
The Angelo informal settlement domestic violence victim suffered third-degree burns to her upper body, including her face and hands, and she has been in hospital since February 10.
The Boksburg police launched a manhunt for the alleged perpetrator immediately after the incident, and Sgt Azwi Mphaphuli and Const Thabo Makomene pounced on the suspect at his home in Angelo on February 15.
According to the Boksburg police, the matter was, however, not placed on the court roll due to a legal technicality. The suspect walked free as a result.
“Due to injuries sustained, the victim was unable to sign the documents carrying her statement of what transpired. Our detectives explained the situation to the court but the case was rejected anyway. The suspect was then let go on a technicality,” said the Boksburg SAPS spokesperson, Const Ntsako Ledwaba.
The Boksburg police also confirmed that they have received complaints from the victim and her family saying they were shocked to hear that the case was not placed on the roll and that the suspect is walking freely while the victim languishes in hospital.
Ledwaba has encouraged the family to apply for a court order preventing the suspect from entering the facility where the victim is being treated.
“Once the court order had been granted, we will then notify the hospital to deny the suspect access to the facility, and we will also arrest him should he contravene the order,” said Ledwaba.
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