South African Court Jails Man for Life for Burning Girlfriend to Death

The High Court of South Africa sitting in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, has sentenced a 35-year-old man to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, whom he allegedly set ablaze during a domestic dispute.

The convict, Innocent Sthembiso Maseko, was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Mbali Lucy Ngubeni, following a violent altercation at their home in Silobela, Carolina.

According to a statement issued on Friday, March 13, 2026, by spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Monica Nyuswa, the court heard that the couple, who were in a domestic relationship and living together, began arguing in their bedroom on August 20, 2024.

Nyuswa explained that the disagreement escalated into a physical confrontation, during which Maseko allegedly poured petrol on Ngubeni and set her on fire.

Despite suffering severe burns, Ngubeni reportedly managed to escape from the room and ran down the passage of the house while calling for help.

“A friend who was sleeping in another room rushed to assist and managed to extinguish the flames by pouring water over her,” Nyuswa said.

Ngubeni was later rushed to the hospital for treatment but succumbed to her injuries about a week later. The incident was subsequently reported to the police, leading to Maseko’s arrest.

During the trial, Maseko pleaded not guilty and claimed he was not present when the victim caught fire. However, prosecutors presented evidence from several witnesses, including testimony from Ngubeni’s friend who described what she witnessed during the incident.

The prosecution also relied on a statement made by the deceased before her death.

The court eventually found the State’s witnesses credible and rejected Maseko’s version of events.

Delivering the judgment, the presiding judge stated that courts have a responsibility to send a strong message that violent crimes will not be tolerated.

“The court found no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a lighter sentence and imposed life imprisonment,” the statement said.

In addition to the life sentence, Maseko was declared unfit to possess a firearm, while his application for leave to appeal was also dismissed.