A Parkwood man who doused his girlfriend with gasoline and set her on fire in a jealous rage has been sentenced to 22 years in prison. mango after confessing to his horrific crimes.

The heartbroken family of Deonay Waigh say her former boyfriend, Joshua Phillips, asked to speak to them before sentencing began at Wynberg Regional Court, where he asked for forgiveness.

The 32-year-old Pelikan Park woman was last seen on Christmas Eve last year.

At the time, his family explained that she had gone to visit him similar to a siek her father in Parkwood a few days before Christmas and her family had lost contact with her.

On Christmas Eve, they received a call from Philip’s family and rushed to the hospital where they were informed that Deonay had suffered severe burns after being set on fire.

Cousin Jade Baartman said doctors informed them her lungs had collapsed and her internal organs were burned. She died in hospital a few days later when her heart stopped.

Philips later sent a voice note to his family in which he confessed to dousing Deonay with gasoline and said he had also planned to set himself on fire. He turned himself in to the police.

Jade says when they arrived at court on Wednesday, they were surprised when they were told the convicted murderer wanted to speak to the family.

She explains: “The case was transferred to the regional court about three weeks ago and in the meantime there were postponements because they expected him to plead guilty.

“When I arrived, the prosecutor informed me that he wanted to speak to me and I agreed.

“He came to me and apologized for what he had done. He said he was sorry and I said that as God’s people we must forgive, but we believe that whatever the court decides, he should respect it.

Jade said during the proceedings that Philips admitted to using gasoline to start the fire in Wendy’s house. He also claimed that Deonay was kidding.

She added: “He claimed she was unfaithful but the magistrate said the evidence presented in court showed he was a jealous and controlling boyfriend and even if his claims were correct he could have broken up with her and not kill her.

“The magistrate gave him 22 years in prison and when he was about to receive a life sentence, he showed remorse in court.

“We are happy with the result because Christmas is coming and it has had an impact on the family. The loss of Deonay will always be felt.

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Daily Voice