A 30-year-old Mpumalanga man who set a house on fire and locked the doors that resulted in the death of his girlfriend has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
Their seven-year-old daughter was also inside the house but managed to escape unharmed.Morgan Mashiya was slapped with a life sentence for one count of murder, five years for the attempted murder of his daughter and another for five years for arson.
The court heard that in August last year Mashiya bought petrol and poured it inside the house he occupied with his girlfriend, Nkosimphile Nkambule, and their daughter.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, Mashiye then locked himself, his girlfriend and their daughter inside the house and pushed the couch against the door to ensure no one escapes. He then set the house on fire.
While the house was in flames, he said, Mashiya shouted for help and managed to grab the keys and throw them outside, adding residents heard the screams coming from the burning house and opened the door.
Mashiya who had burn wounds escaped and left his daughter and partner inside the house, added Mohlala.
"Fortunately, Nkosimphile covered her daughter with a blanket and also managed to get out of the house, however, with serious burn wounds. Nkosimphile died three days later."
The child also sustained burn wounds but was treated and recovered.
Mashiye's sentences will run concurrently.
Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela said she appreciated "the sterling work" done by the investigation team, prosecution and judiciary for ensuring Mashiya was sentenced.
