Accused abandons bail after allegedly setting man alight

• Published date: 19 April 2024
• Author: Sandi Kwon Hoo sandi.kwonhoo@acm.co.za
• Publication title: Diamond Fields Advertiser

Homevalley resident, Jason Frans, 32, died after sustaining severe burn wounds on his face and body

National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the accused, who was initially charged with attempted murder, would now face a murder charge.

The accused, Leonard Tshita, 41, will return to court on May 30 as the matter was postponed for further investigation.

The owner of the house where Jason was staying, Maria Golding, indicated that he left during the evening of April 6 and ran home following the incident during the early hours of April 7.

“His skin was peeling off his body. I covered him with a duvet as he was in excruciating pain. He was someone who would never hurt a fly.”

Tania Frans believed that her brother did not deserve to die in such a cruel manner.

“No one is able to come forward with a reason as to why he was burnt alive. We are only receiving unsubstantiated rumours and will rather wait for the post mortem results. He died on April 11 after being admitted to Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital.

“We will...