Eric Marakalala died on Wednesday while in police custody after he allegedly poured petrol on his girlfriend Lindiwe Zitha and set her alight.
He died while in jail due to burn wounds he allegedly sustained during the incident.
According to reports, Zitha, who is from Mamelodi, Pretoria is in hospital fighting for her life after allegedly being burnt beyond recognition by Marakalala on Saturday last week.
The 51-year-old Zitha is also the sister of former Banyana Banyana player Khabo Zitha.
Sunday World understands that Marakalala made his first court appearance on Monday and was remanded in police custody as he was expected to return to court for bail application on June 12.
Reports further revealed that the deceased allegedly barged in at the victim’s house during loadshedding and allegedly started assaulting her. He then allegedly put her head and face in a bucket filled with petrol which he then poured all over her body, before setting her alight.
The EFF issued a statement condemning the violent gender-based violence attack.
“We also urge the government to prioritize the implementation and enforcement of existing legislation aimed at protecting women, while also calling for a harsher minimum sentences for perpetrators.”
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