Nompumelelo Gumede (21) and Antoinette Mbali Hills (23) sustained severe burns in the incident on 23 July 2025.
The alleged attacker, Mpumelelo Ignitus Hills (35), is both Nompumelelo’s boyfriend and Antoinette’s biological brother.
According to reports, a domestic dispute between Nompumelelo and Mpumelelo escalated into violence, allegedly over suspicions of infidelity.
Mpumelelo is accused of dousing a room with petrol and setting it on fire while both women were inside.
Antoinette, who tried to intervene during the altercation, was also caught in the flames.
Both victims were admitted to the ICU, where Antoinette died on 01 August, followed by Nompumelelo on 03 August.
Mpumelelo was initially charged with two counts of attempted murder and appeared in court on 30 July.
Following the women’s deaths, police have confirmed the charges have been upgraded to two counts of murder.
