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Police have arrested a 22-year-old man over an attack captured on video on a female student teacher in the Free State, which has been widely shared.
The video shows the perpetrator physically assaulting the young woman twice – while another unknown woman, believed to be a relative of the attacker, hurls insults at the victim.
The student teacher had criticized a motorist for driving too close to the sidewalk where she was walking, according to a social media post attributed to her. The driver and two of his relatives then harassed her, she said. This was in view of a colleague and other members of the public.
Prime Minister MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae strongly condemned the incident, saying she was shocked to see the attack on the woman, who posed no threat to her attackers. The attack is a sobering reminder that the fight against gender-based violence is far from over, she said, calling on society to redouble its efforts to combat the scourge.
“I join the people of our province in condemning the barbaric attack on a defenseless woman by a violent man. There is absolutely no justification for this act of violence and we call on our law enforcement agencies to prosecute the perpetrator and impose severe punishment on the perpetrator,” Letsoha-Mathae said.
This embarrassing attack has set us back several steps in our efforts to end violence against women and children, but we will not allow this incident to demoralize us. We are determined to end violence against the most vulnerable in our society
— MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, Prime Minister of the Free State
“It is also deeply concerning to see a woman actively participating in the assault of another woman. We are not going to win this battle if women actively participate in the violation of other women.
“This embarrassing attack has set us back several steps in our efforts to end violence against women and children, but we will not allow this incident to demoralize us. We are committed to ending violence against the most vulnerable in our society.”
Police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli confirmed that the victim has filed a charge of assault.
“Following the release of a video clip on various social media platforms showing a physical altercation involving a male subject assaulting a 21-year-old female, police can confirm that a 22-year-old high school student has been arrested and charged,” police said.
“He is expected to make his first court appearance in Bloemfontein on June 12.
“We strongly advocate peace and space, so that the police investigation can take its natural course.
“The SAPS views all acts of violence, especially against the vulnerable, in a serious light and is committed to ensuring that justice is served.”
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