Randfontein Police urged the public not to withdraw charges after they have opened a case.

This after common assault charges levelled against a high-ranking official of the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) were withdrawn by the victim.

According to Sergeant Carmen Hendricks, the Randfontein Police spokesperson the charges were laid after an alleged incident at a tavern on Ntuli Street in Mohlakeng on Sunday, 27 September.

She explained a 37-year-old woman was with a friend at the tavern at about 7pm. They were approached by a woman unknown to her. This woman then sat next to them and without saying a word poured cold drink over them. When the complainant questioned her actions, the woman said she intended to pour it on her friend, not her. The complainant and her friend decided to leave and as they approached the door she was attacked from behind, fell down and sustained injuries. She found out who the woman was and she opened a case of common assault against her.

The case was investigated and taken to court for a decision, but after a few days the victim decided to withdraw the case against the suspect for her own reasons.

“If a victim decides to withdraw the case, we as the police have to oblige and assist them because it is beyond our mandate to refuse to withdraw the case for the victim,” Hendricks said.

Colonel Rand Makgatho, the acting Randfontein Police station commander encouraged victims of gender-based violence to report cases immediately and encouraged them not to withdraw cases related to GBV because of their serious nature.

“We condemn violence against women and children.”

Anyone with information can make use of the My SAPS app or contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 to report crime anonymously.