A 22-year-old South African woman, Nompumelelo Gumede, is in critical condition after being set alight by her boyfriend in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga.

The man, reportedly driven by jealousy, allegedly doused both Nompumelelo and his own sister with petrol before setting them on fire.

He then locked them in a room, leaving both victims with severe burn injuries.

The sister had been trying to protect Nompumelelo during the attack.

The suspect was arrested shortly after the incident and is due in court on Monday, July 28, facing attempted murder and arson charges.

The brutal act has sparked outrage, with gender-based violence activists demanding urgent justice and stronger protections for women.

Nompumelelo remains in ICU as her family and community hope for her recovery and justice to be served.

See photos below…