By William Milasi

A woman from Shurugwi is battling life-threatening burns at a local hospital after she was doused with petrol by an imbiber for refusing to sell him beer on credit recently.

The nerve-wracking incident occurred last week in Shurugwi.

Midlands Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the tragic incident.

“Police confirm a case of attempted murder where a 64-year-old Shurugwi woman was set ablaze by his former co-tenant who doused her with petrol before lighting matches,” said Mahoko.

Circumstances are that the suspect Evans Matagu (38) went to the victim’s residence where she operates an illegal beer outlet before requesting beer on credit and the request was refused as he was owing money.

“The alleged suspect Evans Chirawo Matagu, a man, aged 38 went to the victim’s residence where she operates a shebeen. He requested beer on credit and the complainant refused citing that he already owed her money. The suspect got furious and set her on fire. Other shebeen patrons managed to put out the fire, saving her life,” said Mahoko.

The suspect who has since been arrested is assisting police with investigations.

Police called on members of the public not to resort to violence when in dispute and also urged members of the public to have proper business structures and have their businesses regularised.