A manager at a Spar in Musina, Limpopo, will be appearing in the local magistrate’s court for the assault of a woman accused of theft.

The suspect allegedly doused Svodai Mugumbo with methylated spirit and his colleague, who works as a security guard, then set her on fire.

“Her entire body was burnt even the private parts,” the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the area, Alpheus Mamafa, told Local Voices.

He says the store officials tried to hide the incident.

“When I heard about this matter, I rushed to the store and I was told that the security guard took her away. I managed to find them and he was putting bandages on her – convincing her not to go to hospital,” Mafama says.

“We are not condoning stealing but proper procedures must be followed. They shouldn’t have taken the law into their own hands,” he adds.

The EFF leader says immediately ordered that the store and called the police.

The manager is behind bars and Mamafa says they also want the security guard arrested.

The store remains closed, pending talks with management.

The negotiations are scheduled for Thursday.

The victim is recuperating in hospital.