Katlego Sekhu

A 51-year-old woman from Mamelodi is in hospital fighting for her life after being burnt beyond recognition by her boyfriend on Saturday.
Lindiwe Zitha, 51, was assaulted by her boyfriend, Eric Marakalala, who poured petrol over her and set her alight. Zitha is the sister of former Banyana Banyana star Khabo Zitha.
Khabo told TimesLIVE that her sister is in a coma and fighting for her life.
“There is no part of her body that is not burnt. She has not woken up since she was admitted on Saturday. She’s in a coma. She’s had countless operations for skin grafting and eye restoration. Every day the hospital calls to inform us about a procedure they have to make. It’s really bad,” Khabo said.
Khabo informed the publication that the incident happened during loadshedding.
“It was during load-shedding so he took advantage of that because there was less movement on the street and it was dark. He stormed into the house and started hitting her, then put her head and face in a bucket filled with petrol which he poured all over her body, before setting her alight,” she said.
Furthermore, she told the publication that the perpetrator locked her sister in a room. Zitha’s life was saved by a boy who helps with their garden.
The neighbours quickly rushed her to the hospital, where she is fighting for her life.
Kaya 959 understands that the accused, Eric Marakalala, is in police custody after making his first court appearance on Monday, June 5.
The EFF issued a statement condemning the violent gender-based violence attack on Lindiwe Zitha.
EFF Condemns The Violent Gender Based Violence Attack On Lindiwe Zitha pic.twitter.com/3VXw8GPmR4
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) June 7, 2023



