Auleria Wakudumo
A 59-year-old woman is fighting for her life in hospital after she allegedly set a shack on fire while she was inside in an attempted suicide mission.
The woman allegedly resorted to the unthinkable after learning that her husband was involved in extramarital affairs.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at around 17h00 at Epya location in Ondangwa in the Oshana region.
Oshana crime investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Frederick Ndjadila, said the victim allegedly locked herself inside a shack and set it on fire in an attempt to end her life. “It is alleged that the victim was visiting from Okapuku village. While at the location, she was informed by neighbours that her husband was unfaithful. She became extremely upset and suicidal,” he added. The police further stated that the woman had sent an SMS to her husband, threatening to either hang herself, or set herself on fire.
On Tuesday, neighbours noticed a thick smoke coming from the victim’s shack while the husband was at work. They rushed to the scene, and managed to extinguish the flames before rescuing her. Police discovered a half-full two-litre container of petrol at the scene.
Several household items, including a bed, chairs, clothes, a fridge and blankets were destroyed in the blaze.
The victim was initially rushed to the Onandjokwe State Hospital, but was later transferred to the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital for further treatment.