Protestors call for justice to be served as Ballito mom of 3 fights for life in hospital

A Ballito mother is fighting for her life in hospital after having been kidnapped and severely beaten, allegedly by her estranged husband.

Ballito businessman, Ryan Cowan (40) handed himself over to Umhlali police on Monday following a warrant for his arrest.

He appeared in the KwaDukuza magistrates court on Tuesday facing charges of attempted murder and contravention of an interim protection order.

The court heard that he had been arrested on 2 previous occasions but was released on R2 000 bail.

Two cases involving assault and grievous body harm against his wife and contravention of a protection order are still pending.

His estranged wife (33) and mother to his 3 children, suffered multiple injuries and is currently in ICU at Alberlito hospital awaiting brain surgery.

It is alleged Cowan kidnapped her last Tuesday and violently attacked her.

She was found by her family last Thursday and admitted to hospital with severe injuries to her head and eyes. 

A number of protestors demonstrated outside the Umhlali police station on Monday afternoon, displaying their outrage and calling for bail to be denied.

The placard-bearing group told the Courier that the criminal justice system had failed her and the law needed to better protect victims of violence.

The protest continued on Tuesday morning.

Cowan was remanded in police custody pending his appearance at KwaDukuza regional court on Thursday for his bail hearing.

The state is opposing bail.