A mother of two teenage boys, Destiny Otton-Rakuraku, 34, suffered substantial burns on Saturday morning at her home in Kingston, 28km south of Brisbane.
The 34-year-old’s cousin Blake Timu told the Courier-Mail that the condition Otton-Rakuraku was in was “just inhumane and it’s terrifying to see her almost lifeless”.
“She’ll be in a long journey of recovery and we’ll be right there by her side with her babies through it all.
“Most importantly, we urge anyone going through anything like this to please reach out to your family,” Timu told the Courier Mail.
“No one should ever go through such a traumatising experience.”
A family member of Otton-Rakuraku’s, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the Herald she suffered “extensive” burns to 50% of her body and had undergone one surgery so far.
She remained in an induced coma at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Her mother, Alison Rakuraku, told 7News she was “devastated” by the violence and was focused on her daughter’s recovery.
“She’s strong. We will just be strong for our girl.”
Kiwi woman Destiny Otton-Rakuraku, 34, is fighting for her life in hospital after her ex-partner allegedly set her on fire.
Rakuraku said she could not recall how she felt after being told of the attack on her daughter, only a “numbness” sweeping over her.
According to Otton-Rakuraku’s social media, she grew up in South Auckland and attended McAuley High School in Ōtāhuhu.
In Australia, 7News reported that about 7.45am on Saturday local time, a 36-year-old man known to Otton-Rakuraku was involved in an altercation with her at a home in Kingston.
The accused, Renata Edward Manning, then allegedly poured petrol over her before using a lighter to set her alight.
He has been charged with attempted murder, common assault and other offences connected to the incident.
Manning’s case was called before the Beenleigh Magistrates Court this morning. He did not appear but was remanded in custody, with the case adjourned until March 12.
