A Tragic Incident: Former Banyana Banyana Captain’s Sister Attacked

1 min read
violence against women attempted murder

The community and family of former Banyana Banyana captain Khabo Zitha have been left in shock and sorrow after her sister, Lindiwe Zitha, was brutally attacked by her boyfriend over the weekend. The attack, which took place during a load shedding bout, has resulted in Lindiwe being in a coma and fighting for her life in a Gauteng hospital.

The Attack

According to Kgabo Zitha, the sister of the victim, Lindiwe’s boyfriend, Eric Marakalala, took advantage of the darkness to carry out his vicious plan. He assaulted Lindiwe in her home in Mamelodi before pouring petrol all over her body and setting her alight. Lindiwe suffered burns all over her body and is in a coma.

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Lindiwe’s Condition

Lindiwe’s injuries are severe, and she has already undergone numerous surgeries, including skin grafting and eye restoration procedures. Her eyes, burned from within, may never regain their normal functioning, and she remains in a coma. The family is struggling to come to terms with the horrific assault.

Legal Action

The suspect, Eric Marakalala, has been arrested and faces charges of attempted murder. The legal process is underway, seeking to bring justice to the victim and her family.

Violence Against Women

This tragic incident involving Khabo Zitha’s sister has put the spotlight on the broader issue of violence against women, a pressing problem faced by many across the globe. It is essential for communities and authorities to work together in combating this issue, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals who may be suffering in silence.

Road to Recovery

As the Zitha family rallies around their loved one, they have called for prayers and support from the public. The road to recovery will undoubtedly be a long and difficult one for Lindiwe. The hope is that this horrifying event will lead to increased awareness and action, ultimately preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.

Liam Fortuin is a Cape Town journalist whose reporting on the city’s evolving food culture—from township kitchens to wine-land farms—captures the flavours and stories of South Africa’s many kitchens. Raised in Bo-Kaap, he still starts Saturday mornings hunting koesisters at family stalls on Wale Street, a ritual that feeds both his palate and his notebook.

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