Bulawayo Woman Fighting For Life After Boyfriend Sets Her On Fire Over Another Man

A 23-year-old woman is reportedly fighting for her life in hospital after her boyfriend allegedly attacked her with stones, a gas tank and a metal rod before pouring an unknown substance over her and setting her on fire.

Mkhululi Ndlovu, 43, of Mzilikazi suburb in Bulawayo, appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Patience Ururu on Thursday facing charges of attempted murder and malicious damage to property.

The court heard that the attack allegedly followed a confrontation over claims that his girlfriend, Rachel Hadebe, was talking about another boyfriend.

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Jealousy Triggers Brutal Attack

Prosecutor Joseph Rugara told the court that Ndlovu and Hadebe, who lives in Thorngrove suburb, were in a relationship when the incident occurred on October 18, 2026.

At around 10pm, Ndlovu allegedly confronted Hadebe, demanding to know why she was talking about another boyfriend.

The disagreement reportedly escalated into a violent assault, with Ndlovu allegedly using several objects to attack her.

According to the prosecution, he struck Hadebe repeatedly with stones, hit her once on the head with a gas tank and assaulted her on the hands and legs with a metal rod.

He allegedly poured an unknown substance over her before setting her alight.

Woman Sustains Severe Burns, Hospitalised

Hadebe suffered extensive burns across her body, a cut on her head and a swollen face following the alleged attack.

She was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital, where she is reportedly fighting for her life.

The court heard details of the injuries as the prosecution outlined the circumstances surrounding the attempted murder charge.

Boyfriend Accused Of Burning Woman’s Belongings

Apart from the alleged assault, Ndlovu is also accused of destroying Hadebe’s personal belongings during the same incident.

The court heard that he allegedly took her travelling bag, emptied its contents into a dumping pit and set everything on fire.

The destroyed property included three pairs of jeans, a handbag, two pairs of track pants, three dresses, a pair of rafters and seven T-shirts.

Hadebe also lost her birth certificate and national identity card in the alleged arson.

The belongings were valued at US$104.

Police Arrest Suspect After Woman Reports Attack

Rugara told the court that Hadebe reported the matter to the police, leading to Ndlovu’s arrest.

The 43-year-old faces charges of attempted murder and malicious damage to property.

He remains in custody and is expected to return to court on November 2.