According to media reports, Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died as a result of an arson attack. The Uganda Athletics Federation confirmed the athlete’s death on Platform X and condemned the violence that Cheptegei suffered. The hospital in the Kenyan city of Eldoret, where the athlete was treated, plans to publish a report later today.
According to police, Cheptegei’s partner poured petrol on her and set her on fire. The 33-year-old was treated for severe burns in Eldoret hospital after the incident on Sunday. According to the hospital, Cheptegei suffered burns on 80 percent of her body surface in the attack.
There had apparently been an argument between the two about a piece of land, among other things. The partner was also caught in the flames. Neighbors put out the fire and took both of them to the hospital. The police are investigating the man for attempted murder.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240905-930-223619/1
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