Acid attack on woman causes serious burns

A 39-YEAR-OLD woman is being treated for severe burns to her face and body after she was drenched with acid and set alight on Christmas Eve in Johannesburg.

Tracy Samuels was admitted to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto and placed on a respirator.

Police spokesman Captain Mavela Masondo said the suspect‚ a 43-year-old man‚ was facing a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Samuels and the man allegedly had an argument‚ ostensibly over a person with whom she had been chatting on social media.

The substance poured over Samuels is a raw form of acetone used to clean surfaces and equipment.

The woman’s young son is now staying with family members.

Her uncle, Leonard Scott-Turner, said the family was very close and he described Samuels as a strong woman.

Feedback from relatives and friends who had visited her in hospital was positive.

“She seems to be in good spirits and lots of friends have gone to see her,” Scott-Turner said.

“Her face is badly burnt‚ but they have taken the bandages off.

“Her upper body is really‚ really bad.

“She has second-degree burns on her face – and until the bandages come off her body they won’t know if it’s second- or third-degree.”

Samuels is an avid animal lover and friends have rallied to look after her pets.