With close friends dressed in black and a large group of supporters in orange bibs, Palesa Mothokwa braved the next stage of her search for justice.
The 34-year-old woman was brutally beaten by her ex-lover in early December 2021 and her attacker would make his next appearance in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court, January 25. Known to the victim as Oscar Ngobeni, the man ambushed Palesa as she arrived for work and violently assault her, an ordeal caught on the company’s surveillance cameras.
Read initial article here: WATCH: Woman brutally beaten by ex-lover as she arrives for work
Members of the Department of Community Safety’s Gender-based Violence Brigade filled Meyer Street outside the court, holding anti-abuse placards and banners. The Brigade is a dedicated force aimed at raising awareness of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), actively seeking out and exposing abusers within their community.
Mogale City Traffic Officer Papi Motaung, who assisted Palesa on the day of her ordeal, had rallied those against GBV to wear all black as a sign of solidarity with those affected by the all too common scourge.
The physical bruises may no longer be evident, but the echo of that morning at her place of employment is still fresh. Speaking among the protesting crowd, Palesa described her mood as being one of mixed emotions, and expressed her gratitude for the mass support given to her.
Ngobeni faces a charge of assault with intention to do grievous bodily harm and has been out on bail since first appearing in December. The matter was postponed and he will be in court again on Valentines’ Day, February 14.
