Share

Family of domestic worker allegedly burnt by employer's son says she still can't walk properly

The case against the man who is accused of setting a domestic worker on fire has been postponed.

Zinhle Mchunu was allegedly set alight by Dustin Govender, 28, on May 21. The incident took place at Govender's father's garage, where he sells cars, in Durban.

Govender, who is accused of attempted murder, made a brief appearance in the Durban Magistrate's Court on Friday.

Magistrate Mohamed Motala adjourned his case to September 11 for a trial. Govender is out on R7 000 bail.

Zinhle's uncle, Ben Mchunu, told News24 that the family was still hurt.

Ben also said his niece still could not walk properly.

"She walks with the assistance of a walking stick. Her heel was badly damaged by the fire," he said.

Govender allegedly poured liquid, which smelt like petrol, at Zinhle's feet and told her he would burn her.

He then allegedly took out his lighter and threw it at the liquid on the floor. Zinhle's leg caught fire from the resulting flames.

Zinhle, who has never attended court during Govender's appearances, previously told News24 that after the incident Govender drove her to a pharmacist who gave her painkillers and attempted to treat the wound.

She was later admitted to Addington Hospital, where she stayed for a week.

KEEP UPDATED on the latest news by subscribing to our FREE newsletter.

- FOLLOW News24 on Twitter

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
41% - 567 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
59% - 808 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.88
+0.3%
Rand - Pound
23.85
+0.2%
Rand - Euro
20.38
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.32
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.12
+0.2%
Platinum
908.05
0.0%
Palladium
1,014.94
0.0%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent Crude
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
0.0%
All Share
74,536
0.0%
Resource 10
57,251
0.0%
Industrial 25
103,936
0.0%
Financial 15
16,502
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE