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An Eastern Cape woman has been jailed for 15 years after pleading guilty to pouring methylated spirits over her sister and setting her alight.
The National Prosecuting Authority said 30-year-old Sinazo Mrwetyana was sentenced this week in the Nxuba (previously Cradock) Magistrates’ Court on a charge of attempted murder.
NPA spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali,said 41-year-old Sindiswa Mrwetyana survived the incident but sustained severe burns.
He said during sentencing she expressed “forgiveness” towards her sister but said the law must take its course.
The incident happened in Lingelihle in November 2023, when the siblings had an argument of the sale of a battery which escalated.
Tyali said Sinazo admitted to having been consuming liquor at a traditional ceremony earlier in the day but was not heavily intoxicated when the argument erupted at their home.
He said she poured spirits over her sister and as they struggled over a lighter it fell on Sindiswa’s head setting her on fire.
Tyali said in her guilty plea, Sinazo acknowledged that her actions were wrong and unlawful, expressing remorse and regret for her behaviour.
