Stutterheim dad accused of petrol attack on son

A shocking petrol attack in the village of Kubusi near Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape has left a 13-year-old boy and his father’s girlfriend hospitalised with serious burn injuries.

The incident, which allegedly occurred on Monday last week, has left the local community stunned and a family pleading for justice and support.

Mother recounts terrifying moment

The boy’s mother, Ndileka Magipsela, said she was woken during the night with the devastating news that her child had been burned.

“I was woken up and told that my child had been burned. I jumped out of bed and rushed to find out what had happened,” she said.

According to the family, the boy later told them that his father had poured petrol on him and set him alight.

The mother said the alleged motive behind the attack was a dispute over R50.

“The painful thing is that my child said his father burned him because he could not find his R50,” she said.

Girlfriend also seriously injured

The father’s girlfriend, who was reportedly also attacked during the incident, suffered severe burns and has been transferred to another hospital where she is currently in the intensive care unit (ICU).

The 13-year-old boy, a Grade 7 learner at a local school in the Tsumagala area, remains hospitalised locally and is receiving treatment for his injuries.

Family members say the child has been able to speak and told them that he and the woman were burned during the attack.

Community outrage

The incident has sparked anger and concern in the Kubusi community.

Local community leader and PR councillor Ndileka NgwakaNgwaka said residents are deeply disturbed by what happened.

She said she rushed to the Magipsela home after receiving a call about the incident while returning from church.

“I immediately went to the family to hear what had happened. This is something that has shocked the community,” she said.

Community members are planning a demonstration outside court on 24 March, when the suspect is expected to appear.

The aim, NgwakaNgwaka said, is to ensure the accused does not receive bail and to show support for the victims.

“We want to show the court that the community does not support what happened here,” she said.

Family struggling with hospital visits

The family says the situation has been extremely difficult as they try to travel daily to visit the injured child in hospital.

Magipsela said financial constraints have made the situation even harder.

“It is very painful for us as a family. We are travelling to the hospital every day, but we do not have money,” she said.

Members of the public who wish to assist the family with transport costs have been asked to contact the child’s mother directly on 068 843 2073.

Police investigation expected

Police were called to the hospital shortly after the incident was reported.

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and whether criminal charges will be laid.

The case has left many residents in the rural community shaken as the boy continues to recover from his injuries.