News24 | Second Roodepoort woman who was set alight dies in hospital

Marishka Davids, one of the women who was doused with petrol and set alight in Florida, Roodepoort, has died in hospital.

A family member confirmed to News24 on Wednesday morning that Davids had died at 23:05 on Tuesday.

"She died on the operating table at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Her mother [Mandy Davids] is devastated and not ready to speak yet," the relative said.

Davids’ friend, Zakkiyah Rayman, died at the same hospital on 18 February.

The man believed to be responsible for the cruel act, Mark Brian Harvey, allegedly doused the women with petrol and set them alight at their apartment in Florida on 11 February.

Neighbours who rushed to the women's aid used wet pillows to smother the flames that covered them from head to toe.

Harvey was expected to appear in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

When he appeared in absentia on 21 February, the court heard that he had been admitted to hospital.

At the time, he faced charges of murder, attempted murder, and arson.