Parking lot road rage attack under investigation

A LOCAL man sustained a broken eye socket, bleeding nose and lacerations, after a brutal attack at a Meerensee shopping complex, which also led to a chain collision in the parking area.

But, four weeks after the attack with no arrests, the victim has resorted to reporting the matter to the Richards Bay Station Commissioner and Head of Detectives for investigation into police procedure followed on the day of the attack.

Shane Swanepoel underwent surgery to fit a steel plate into his face and his vision has been damaged to the extent that he is permanently affected in his work duties and general functioning, but a local prosecutor reportedly told him the charge was assault common only and not assault with the intent to commit grievous bodily harm.

‘The prosecutor said the State would not prosecute on the evidence available.’

The incident happened on Sunday morning 8 March, when Swanepoel and his wife Karien stopped to buy party treats for their four year-old niece.

Swanepoel and another driver simultaneously reversed from their parkings, resulting in a fender bender.

A verbal argument ensued and Swanepoel told his wife to phone the police.

They were requested to report the accident at the station because there were no injuries caused by the collision.

But, when Swanepoel got into his car to drive to the station, he was reportedly pulled out from behind the wheel by the other driver and two of his male occupants.

The men thereafter reportedly hit him with fists, pinned his arms down, kicked him with booted feet until he fell to the ground and then kicked him in the head.

His vehicle started running backwards, with his wife still inside, causing a chain of four stationary cars bumping into each other.

Karien Swanepoel sustained whiplash on impact.

‘When the police arrived, they identified themselves as the harbour police.

‘I, my wife and several witnesses pointed out the men who attacked me and we wished to give a statement at the scene.’

But, according to the Swanepoels, the police failed to take down the details of the assailants, although they were still on the scene, no medical assistance was offered despite him bleeding heavily and witnesses who wanted to make statements were chased away and told to report to the station.

Later, more police from other units also attended.

When Swanepoel’s brother-in-law arrived to help, he was reportedly threatened with arrest.

Only at the station, a police officer phoned the ambulance and Swanepoel later underwent surgery.

The three men also went down to the station and Swanepoel’s wife said she had to give her statement within earshot of her husband’s attackers.

‘The investigating officer was however extremely helpful in gathering evidence,’ said Swanepoel.

‘We have handed in the surgeon’s report, a video taken at the scene, clearly showing the assailants and the driver without injuries, the vehicle registration number and other evidence.

‘We have submitted our statements to the Station Commissioner as requested and we trust that the matter will now be properly investigated, outstanding statements obtained and submitted to the State.

‘We have both been severely traumatised by this. The sight in my right eye is very poor and I relied on my left eye.

‘Now, I have a daily battle to function in my work and in private life.

‘We are thankful for the Station Commissioner’s assistance.’