ICYMI: Officers concerned about assault cases in Rabie Ridge

Rabie Ridge Police Station spokesperson, Constable Jacob Nhlongo, said they are worried about the number of assault and gender-based violence cases being reported in their precinct after six people were arrested over the course of three days.

On 25 September at about 9.45pm, a female complainant alleged that she was assaulted by another woman at a tavern in Mayibuye while out with a friend.

Nhlongo said the suspect arrived at the tavern with her husband who is also apparently dating the complainant. “She started screaming and assaulting her [victim]. The suspect told the victim that her husband would leave the complainant who is eight months pregnant with their child.

“A second case of assault happened on the same day, earlier around 7.30pm also in Mayibuye, where a complainant parked his car at a spaza shop waiting to meet someone who owes him money. When he approached him to ask about his money, the suspect responded then hit him with a beer bottle on his forehead.”

Nhlongo added that a third case of assault took place on 24 September in Kanana at about 11.45pm when a complainant went to visit her ex-boyfriend.

“Upon arrival, the victim and her ex-boyfriend went to the room. The suspect allegedly locked the door and started assaulting her with a brick, forcing her to tell him who she is currently dating.

“The victim explained that she ended up telling him but he never stopped, until he opened the door to the bedroom and instructed her to go clean her face as she was bleeding and that’s how she managed to run away.”

On 25 September, at about 11pm in Klipfontein View, another incident occurred. “A male complainant was sitting in his car when he and a neighbour got into a discussion about where he should park his car. The suspect later returned with eight of his friends in a white bakkie, then started assaulting him.”

Another case was reported on 27 September after a complainant’s ex-girlfriend allegedly assaulted him using a beer bottle in Kanana. “The complainant was busy selling food to his customer when his girlfriend started assaulting him before leaving the scene.

“Lastly, another case was reported after a female victim was struck with a chair in her left eye. The victim was at a tavern in Kanana on 27 September around 1am when her sister started arguing with her [victim’s] daughter about a wedding invitation.”

Nhlongo added that when they arrived home, the sister assaulted the victim using a chair.

Nlhongo added that all the suspects were arrested and would appear in the Tembisa Magistrates’ Court soon.

Details: Contact Rabie Ridge Police Station to report any kind of crime on 10111 or 011 310 0410/20.