Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A BULAWAYO man has been arrested after allegedly setting a man he suspected of chowing his girlfriend, on fire.
The incident occurred on August 23 at around 8pm at a plot in Warringham.
Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu said the 21-year-old complainant from Dampier Road, Warringham, was with the accused, Mayibongwe Ngalonde (22), also of Dampier Road, together with other neighbours, when the incident occurred.
The group had reportedly gone to a local plot to help put out a fire.
Ngalonde accused the complainant of being his girlfriend’s sneaky link.
“The accused person started accusing the complainant of sleeping with his girlfriend. He then threatened to kill him and tried to assault him with stones, but the complainant fled,” said Asst Insp Ndlovu.
Ngalonde followed the complainant and later found him sitting beside a fireplace inside a kitchen hut at their place of residence.
The inflamed Ngalonde had invested in 500ml of petrol for the explosive ultimate revenge.
He whipped a bottle contain the flammable liquid from his pocket and splashed it onto his love rival.
“The complainant caught fire and started burning. A male adult aged 28 years from the same address, who is his workmate, managed to extinguish the fire by pouring water on the complainant,” said Asst Insp Ndlovu.
A police report was made, leading to Ngalonde’s arrest.
Asst Insp Ndlovu urged members of the public to avoid resorting to violence when faced with misunderstandings or disputes.
She encouraged people to seek assistance from community leaders, pastors, relatives or the police to resolve disputes peacefully.
“We urge members of the public to avoid the use of violence whenever there is a misunderstanding and instead engage third parties, including community leaders, pastors, relatives and the police, to assist them,” said Asst Insp Ndlovu.
