Darnall farm attack case reopened!

Police have reopened the investigation of the Darnall mother brutally attacked with a cane knife by a farm worker who was allowed to walk free.

The 35-year-old mother was stabbed several times while she shielded her three-year-old toddler at their Hummalo farm near Darnall, in September last year, shortly after her farm manager husband, had left for work.

The Courier brought the bungled case to light two weeks ago (‘We want our attacker in jail’, Courier, June 21).

Provincial SAPS spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele told the Courier that a case of attempted murder had been opened for investigation by KwaDukuza SAPS however it had been withdrawn at court in January and the 32-year-old suspect had been released.

Responding to questions from the Courier last Wednesday acting director of public prosecutions, Adv. Elaine Zungu said: “A report has been received from the prosecutors who dealt with the matter and it has been noted that the matter was withdrawn due to investigations not being complete.

“The matter cannot be taken to trial with the investigations not being completed.

“The complainant has been informed of the challenges regarding the incomplete investigations.

“Specific details in regards to what is outstanding and what the State challenges are with regards to evidence cannot be imparted to the media as this will compromise the case.”

Raeanne van der Wath suffered a deep gash to her head, a shattered arm, a broken ankle and multiple wounds.

She and her daughter also underwent months of counselling as a result of the attack.

Learning that the case had been dismissed in court at the beginning of this year left the family shocked and dispirited.

Adding fuel to the fire the family were only notified of this development when her husband Dale van der Wath phoned Stanger SAPS to ask the investigating officer for an update on the case in April, three months after the alleged attacker’s release.

The report in the Courier sparked a public outcry with renewed calls for justice and Van der Wath said she had met with the prosecutors and was relieved that the case had been reopened and prayed to have closure soon.