Durban - Police are investigating a case of attempted murder after man was doused with petrol and set alight.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said at around 11:30 in Parkgate Verulam a 32-year-old man was allegedly assaulted and set alight by unknown people.
"He was taken to hospital for medical attention. A case of attempted murder was opened at Verulam police station for investigation."
Prem Balram, director of Reaction Unit SA, said the man was suspected of stealing a grass cutter when he was assaulted and then doused with petrol and set alight.
Balram said Reaction Unit members were called out to a property off Tottenham Road with reports that the critically injured man collapsed on the driveway.
"The caller confirmed that the individual had suffered extensive burns to more than 90% of his body.
"Upon arrival the man confirmed that he had a stolen a grass cutting machine from contractors who were working on the roadside in Parkgate."