Steve Biko Ex Torches R520k in Heartbreak Havoc

STEVE BIKO, LIMPOPO — Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned… and armed with matches before sunrise.

What began as a quiet Friday morning at around 05:00 in the Villa Nora policing area in Steve Biko ended in flames—literally—when a 27-year-old woman allegedly set her ex-boyfriend’s house ablaze after he refused to open the door.

According to the male complainant, who might now consider sleeping in a bunker, he was peacefully enjoying what was left of his dreams when he heard a knock at the door. Not in the mood for early morning drama—especially not from an ex—he did what many would consider wise: he ignored it.

Unfortunately, his ex did not take well to being ignored.

“She knocked. He didn’t open. She broke the windows,” said a neighbour, still wearing a gown and sipping sweet tea hours later. “Next thing, the house is on fire.”

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With reflexes that must be commended, the man sprinted out and reportedly ran for help next door. One can only assume he didn’t expect the next five minutes of his life to resemble a crime documentary.

“She was just standing there while the house burned, like it was a bonfire,” another resident claimed. “Honestly, at one point, I thought she was going to bring out marshmallows.”

The house in Steve Biko, along with its contents, is now gone—reduced to ashes and charcoal worth R520 000, including electronics, furniture, clothing, and a collection of romantic regrets.

Police were called and responded quickly. A case of arson was opened, and it didn’t take long before the woman was tracked down and arrested. No dramatic chase, no hiding in a ceiling. She was reportedly calm—possibly still fueled by adrenaline, or perhaps just tired from the early morning destruction.

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She is expected to appear before the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 28 July 2025, facing a formal charge of arson. Until then, the township remains split: some are in shock, others are using the story to preach about “toxic love,” while a few are allegedly rewriting their breakup messages to include legal disclaimers.

Social media in Villa Nora has not slept since. One post read, “If she says she’s just coming to talk, make sure your insurance is up to date.” Another warned, “Never date someone who owns a lighter and has nothing to lose.”

Steve Biko Community Teriffied

While the Steve Biko community tries to find balance between sympathy and amusement, the victim is said to be staying with relatives and trying to make sense of it all. When asked for comment, he reportedly said, “I just wish I had opened the door and given her a slice of bread or something. Maybe none of this would have happened.”

Experts in love and loss (mostly local aunts) have now made it their mission to lecture the youth about emotional regulation, the dangers of old flames, and why it’s never wise to answer the door barefoot at dawn.

In the meantime, the rest of Steve Biko Phase 4 is lighting candles—not in prayer, but because half of the neighborhood is afraid to turn on the stove.