“Mama, I’m sorry for not listening when you warned me about this boy. Please look after my daughter.” Those were the final words of 21-year-old Nompumelelo Gamede to her mother before she slipped into a coma and later died in the ICU.

The tragic incident happened in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, where Nompumelelo and another woman — the sister of her boyfriend — were reportedly set on fire. The suspect, Mpumelelo Hill, is believed to have poured petrol on them and locked them in a room before setting it alight. His sister became a victim while trying to stop him.

A day before her death, doctors told Nompumelelo’s family that her condition had worsened. Her kidneys had failed and her body was no longer responding to treatment. When she first arrived at the hospital, she told her mother she couldn’t feel anything. That moment was the last time they spoke. She was taken into ICU and never regained consciousness. Ten days after the attack, the family received the devastating call that she had passed away.

Doctors had earlier said that over 60% of her body was burned. The second victim also died from her injuries the same day.

Nompumelelo had been in a relationship with Hill for almost three years. They had a daughter together, who was staying with the suspect’s parents. The relationship started after Hill and his sister moved in next door following the death of their grandmother.

Family members said the relationship had signs of trouble. Nompumelelo’s aunt often heard sounds of violence during fights. A week before the incident, Hill was so furious that he smashed kitchen windows with his bare hands. He would often apologise afterward, acting sorry and replacing damaged items. Sometimes, he asked his mother to take him to a traditional healer to help “fix himself,” but he never followed through.

On the morning of the fire, community members saw smoke and rushed to the house. Hill was found sitting calmly in the living room, drinking alcohol. When asked to unlock the burglar door, he claimed he didn’t have the keys. Inside, his sister and Nompumelelo screamed for help. The community broke through the bars and then the bedroom door. Both women were pulled out and rushed to a clinic.

Before she passed, Hill’s sister confirmed that he had poured petrol inside the bedroom and locked them in.

Hill is due to appear in court for the second time this Thursday as part of his bail hearing.

This story is a heartbreaking reminder of the real dangers of abusive relationships. If you or someone close to you is facing abuse, speak out and get help before it’s too late.