Shocking Gender-Based Violence Incident: Woman Allegedly Kills Ex-Boyfriend Using Petrol

South Africa faces yet another tragic incident of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), highlighting the ongoing crisis that continues to claim lives across the nation. In the latest case, a man lost his life in a horrific act allegedly perpetrated by a woman.

### **The Incident in Phalaborwa**
The incident reportedly took place in Namakgale township near Phalaborwa on Saturday, December 22, outside a popular nightclub. Eyewitnesses claim that the young woman, identified as Phumzile Thulisile, had a heated altercation with her former lover, Pardon Ntethelelo Mavimbela.

According to bystanders, the ex-couple frequently argued whenever they crossed paths, with tensions escalating due to unresolved issues. Phumzile allegedly struggled to accept the end of their relationship despite multiple protection orders against her, all of which she reportedly violated.

### **Alarming Warning Signs**
Witnesses recount overhearing Phumzile uttering chilling words on the night of the incident: *“Tonight we are going to die together.”* Mavimbela’s friends advised him to leave the venue to de-escalate the situation. However, Phumzile allegedly followed him to his residence.

### **The Tragic Outcome**
At Mavimbela’s home, events took a horrifying turn. Phumzile allegedly entered the house, doused both herself and Mavimbela with petrol, and set them on fire. The fire caused severe injuries to both individuals. Emergency services rushed them to the hospital, but Mavimbela succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, December 26. Phumzile remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit (ICU).

### **A Growing Crisis**
This incident adds to the growing list of GBV cases in South Africa, where victims, regardless of gender, face life-threatening situations. The increasing prevalence of such cases underscores the urgent need for stronger interventions and preventive measures to combat GBV.

### **Community and National Reactions**
The local community in Phalaborwa has expressed shock and outrage over the tragedy. Many are calling for stricter enforcement of protection orders and more robust support systems for individuals in volatile relationships. Activists emphasize the need for greater awareness, counseling, and community-based interventions to address the root causes of GBV.

### **The Need for Change**
Gender-Based Violence continues to devastate families and communities across South Africa. While this tragic incident highlights the extremes to which GBV can escalate, it also serves as a reminder of the urgent need for societal and governmental action to address the epidemic.

Efforts to combat GBV must prioritize education, awareness, and accessible resources for both victims and perpetrators. Without meaningful change, incidents like these will continue to plague communities, leaving lasting scars on families and society as a whole.

### **Support and Assistance**
If you or someone you know is a victim of GBV, seek help immediately. Numerous organizations and hotlines in South Africa provide support, including the GBV Command Centre at 0800 428 428. Let’s work together to end the cycle of violence.