Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei was attacked by her ex-boyfriend Dickson Ndiema Marangach, when she returned home from church with her daughters on the 5th of September.
The reports stated that Marangach set Cheptegei on fire after pouring petrol on her. As it is stated, the olympic runner suffered burns on eighty percent of her body, which led to her passing.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace,” was stated by the Ugandan Athletics Federation.
Five days passed after Cheptegei’s passing, and then Marangach’s death was reported. As it is stated, Marangach was also suffered burns during his terrible attack against the olympic runner, and as he was under control of a hospital, he lost his life.
“He died from his injuries, the burns he sustained,” a spokeperson shared.
“Justice really would have been for him to sit in jail and think about what he had done. This is not positive news whatsoever,” Viola Cheptoo, co-founder of Tirop’s Angels commented.
Very sad news.
Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died days after being doused in petrol and set on fire by a former boyfriend, a Ugandan official says. pic.twitter.com/4J3gMekJTU
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 5, 2024
A neighbour of Cheptegei had talked with BBC, and explained that they tried to save the olympic runner’s life. “When I came out, I saw Rebecca running towards my house on fire, shouting: help me. As I went to look for water and started calling out for help, her assailant appeared again and doused more petrol on her.”
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