A 52-year-old woman appeared in the Kuils River Magistrate’s Court this week, facing charges of assault after a video surfaced showing her beating her disabled boyfriend of 30 years with his own walking stick.
The disturbing incident, which took place at their home in Mount Fletcher Road, Kalkfontein, was captured on video and shows the suspect repeatedly striking the 56-year-old man’s head and body for over 20 seconds as he lay helpless on the ground.
The victim, who was left paralysed on the left side of his body after a car accident in 2006, was unable to defend himself against the attack.
His niece, Zizipho Nkunzana, expressed her shock and disgust at the video.
"When we saw the video, we were shocked. It’s bad. We then learnt through the community that she always beats my uncle, especially when she is drunk," she said.
Zodwa “Zoey” Booi, a member of Operation Dudula, said they were alerted to the video by a family member and immediately intervened.
"The Sunday we went through and spoke to her, she told us she sometimes hits him when she’s drunk but she doesn’t know why. That Saturday they had an argument and he went to sleep and was woken up by her hitting him," Booi explained.
Booi highlighted the systemic issues faced by victims of abuse, particularly men, who often lack the support they need.
"We also learned that the man tried to open a case before but was told to first get a doctor’s report. I believe that is why we have so many men dying in silence because they don’t get the proper support when they are the victims of abuse," she said.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that a case of assault common and domestic violence was opened and that the woman was arrested on Monday.
“Police attended the scene and on arrival found the home filled with lots of community members that apparently wanted to intervene. She allegedly continuously assaults her husband as he is ill and cannot fight back. The members interviewed the husband and he did not want to open a criminal case. The police official then opened a case of assault common and arrested her," van Wyk said.
In court, the woman attempted to justify her actions, claiming that she had suffered years of abuse at the hands of her boyfriend and that this was her turn to retaliate.
However, the court was not swayed by her claims. The case was postponed until 23 October and the woman was released on bail, but ordered to stay away from the house.
Zizipho confirmed that her uncle is recovering well and is currently staying with his brother.
