THE 55-year-old man who burnt former Banyana Banyana's sister died in the police cells on Tuesday afternoon, 6 June.
The deceased set alight his girlfriend Lindi Zitha (50) in Mamelodi East, Tshwane, on Wednesday, 31 May.
Gauteng Police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the sudden death of the suspect.
He said the suspect complained about the pain, and police immediately called an ambulance.
"The paramedics declared him dead in the holding cells," he said.
Masondo said police opened an inquest docket, and a postmortem will determine the cause of death.
Masondo said the suspect was arrested on Thursday, 1 June, and appeared at Mamelodi Magistrate Court on Monday, 5 June, for bail application.
He said the suspect was arrested and charged with attempted murder after he allegedly poured petrol on her girlfriend and set her alight.
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He said police would continue to prioritise codes of gender-based violence.
Meanwhile, former Banyana Banyana player Khabo Zitha (47) said they feel defeated as a family because they will never find closure as they wanted to know why he did such cruel intentions for her Lindi.
"My family is devastated and traumatised," Khabo said.
She said her sister is fighting for her life, and heaven knows when she will wake up to this traumatic situation.
"Imagine when she sees her face and her burnt body. Gender-based violence must be a priority for amendment on the policy, as this is unacceptable," she said.
Lindi is fighting for her life at Wilgers Private Hospital in Tshwane.
The family asked people to put her in their prayers.
