UPDATE: Assault victim still seeks answers
"Aside from the pain in my face, my mental state has not quite healed."
After being assaulted by a fellow motorist on November 4, Lorna Murdoch-Eaton is still awaiting answers from police.
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A police officer recently went to see Ms Murdoch-Eaton regarding paperwork. Prior to that, the only other communication she received from police was an SMS with her case number and the name of the constable who was assigned to the investigation.
“The police officer finally gave me the name of my attacker, and informed me that his next court date was soon. He could not tell me when the actual trial was going to be, and said I would be informed when I had to make an appearance in court. I am hoping it will be soon though.”
The suspect appeared in the Newcastle Magistrate’s Court on November 11 and was granted bail.
Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications Liaison Officer, Lizzy Arumugam confirmed his hearing was scheduled for November 25.
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Ms Murdoch-Eaton said her injuries had healed quite remarkably, but her face was still exceedingly painful.
“Aside from the pain in my face, my mental state has not quite healed. I have my up days and my down days, and a few friends and family members had advised me to seek help from a therapist. But I am not sure if that will help or whether I should just give it time,” she explained.
She now lives in fear after her vicious ordeal, and fears being victimised again.
She mentioned that she had been on holiday in England just before the attack occurred, and couldn’t stop talking about the lovely place she called home.
READ: Elderly assault victim not coping well emotionally
However, after the attack, she said she wished she had never returned to South Africa.
A vague response from the Newcastle Police Department, stating that it was unknown whether or not it was illegal to beat up a woman, had Ms Murdoch-Eaton up in arms, and angered residents who voiced their opinions on social media.
“Its ridiculous! First they let the suspect go free, then they do not know whether what he did was illegal or not? Since when has it become okay to abuse or assault a woman?” asked a source close to the victim.
After the public outrage left more questions than answers, the Newcastle Advertiser attempted to obtain comment from the Newcastle SAPS Station Commander, but was informed he was unable to discuss the issue at the time.
“Physically I’m almost as good as new, with a few scars as mementos,” Ms Murdoch-Eton concluded.
