A WOMAN has been sentenced to eight years in prison after throwing boiling oil at her rival during a heated argument, resulting in three people being injured and one woman with severe burns.
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A WOMAN has been sentenced to eight years in prison after throwing boiling oil at her rival during a heated argument, resulting in three people being injured and one woman with severe burns.
The Hopetown Regional Court, in the Northern Cape, has now sentenced Angelique Louw, 35, to eight years in prison for attempted murder, along with two additional two-year sentences for two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane, the shocking attack unfolded after Louw became embroiled in a fierce argument.
"The incident occurred after the accused became involved in an argument with another woman, which quickly escalated into a physical fight," Senokoatsane said.
Witnesses managed to break up the brawl, but the violence did not end there.
Moments later, Louw allegedly stormed into the kitchen and returned with a pot of scalding hot oil.
The oil left the woman with severe and life-threatening burn injuries, while two men standing nearby were also injured when the scorching liquid splashed onto them.
Louw denied responsibility in court, claiming someone else pushed the pot from her hands and insisting she never intended to throw the oil.
However, during intense cross-examination by prosecutor Tlotlego Mkhondwana, her story began to unravel.
The court found multiple contradictions in her testimony and ultimately rejected her defence, ruling that the State's witnesses were credible and reliable.
Senokoatsane said the prosecution successfully proved that Louw should have foreseen the devastating consequences of her actions.
"The hot oil caused severe and life-threatening burn injuries to the victim, while two other victims were injured when the oil splashed onto them," he said.
During sentencing, the court heard a victim impact statement compiled by court preparation officer Dineo Speak, detailing the profound physical and emotional trauma suffered by those caught in the attack.
After weighing the evidence and the seriousness of the crime, the court handed down the prison sentence.
The NPA stressed that it remains determined to clamp down on violent crimes.