Public brays for blood after Durban girl’s brutal hammer assault
An 11-year-old girl managed to escape the house where she was abused, allegedly at the hands of her family members.
The bail application of the two accused who allegedly tortured a Tyburn Primary School learner (11) with a hammer, among other tools, is set to continue in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court today, with the public pushing for bail to be denied.
Last week, the Rising Sun featured the assault and horrific abuse of the child on its front page, after her biological sister and her brother-in-law were arrested earlier in the month.
They were nabbed after the young girl managed to escape from the house where the abuse allegedly took place. The child’s father is reportedly in hiding while her mother is deceased.
After the story was printed, outraged residents called for the maximum prison sentence for the husband and wife, should they be found guilty.
Some individuals said they would take the law into their own hands should the justice system fail the child.
According to the Chatsworth SAPS, the accused, aged 26 and 27, were arrested on Saturday, August 19, after the police opened a case of assault GBH and contravention of the Child Care Act.
The accused first appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on August 21, and reappeared yesterday for the start of their formal bail hearing.
Public reaction
Members of the community, family and political parties flocked to court yesterday, airing their feelings of disgust.
The investigating officer, Warrant Officer Samantha Naicker of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit, took the stand, detailing her encounter with the child and the injuries she sustained. These included broken teeth and wounds to her hands, feet and head, allegedly caused by being hit with a hammer.
While Naicker spoke, the child’s sister could be seen shaking her head.
Victim still ‘hopeful’
Representing the victim is Tamara Samuel.
“We have taken a vested interest in this case to ensure that the rights of the child are completely protected, so we are working pro-bono on behalf of the SA Outreach and Emergency Services. I met with the child last week and despite the trauma, she is still so strong and so hopeful – that it is truly inspiring,” says Samuel.
Read more: 2 family members in KZN court after tortured child (11) escapes
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