Woman, 30, doused in petrol and set ablaze by ex-lover

A 30-year-old Gwanda woman is battling for life after her her ex-lover, an Injiva, doused her with petrol and set her ablaze following an undisclosed dispute, police confirmed yesterday.
The incident occurred on Thursday at around 10am in a bushy area between Old Zintec College and Jairos Jiri Centre in Gwanda town.
Thembelihle Xolisani Moyo of 385 Spitzkop in Gwanda is admitted at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) after her ex-lover Joseph Nyathi of 214 Senondo whose age was not given, poured a five-litre petrol on her and set her alight.
Matabeleland South Province acting police spokesperson Sergeant Nkosilathi Sibanda said the ex-lovers had a dispute, which they tried to resolve with the police and the incident happened while they were on their way from the police station.
"The two were returning to Spitzkop after attempting to resolve their dispute with the assistance of police officers at Gwanda Police Station when the incident happened. While on their way to the complainant's house, the accused left the complainant standing and rushed to the other side of the road and came back holding a satchel," said Sgt Sibanda.
"He then took out a five litre container full of petrol and then poured it all over the complainant's body.
The accused then set her alight resulting in her sustaining severe burns," said Sgt Sibanda. 
Nyathi, who is still at large, fled from the scene leaving Moyo writhing in pain.
She was later rescued by a passerby.
Sgt Sibanda said the accused later phoned the complainant's mother Elisie Moyo (49) telling her that he had killed her daughter.
"The complainant managed to remove her burnt clothes and rushed to the accused's place and was taken to Gwanda Hospital," said Sgt Sibanda.
The complainant was later transferred to UBH.
The matter was reported to the police who attended to the scene.
Investigations on the matter are in progress.
"People should desist from taking the law into their hands. They should try to solve their disputes amicably and seek a third party if necessary to avoid such incidents.
He appealed to those with information on the whereabouts of Nyathi to contact the nearest police station or call the Gwanda police public relations department on 0284-22810.