Police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda said officers had noted the online reaction after a woman alleged police inaction following a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm being opened at Umlazi police station on January 9. Mthembu took to Instagram at the weekend sharing images and videos showing visible injuries, including bruising and swollen eyes. She also posted a photograph of a silver baseball bat which she identified as the object allegedly used during the assault.
“This is my final attempt for a call for help, and try to arrest this monster who has been abusing me physically from the day we started dating,” Mthembu wrote. She claimed she had opened multiple cases previously without success. “I’ve opened four cases with fail because no police gets near him and ofcos [sic] his father will bribe his way out but today I’ve had enough,” she said.
In another post Mthembu asked: “Nizokholwa [Will you only believe me] when he kills me?” Her posts triggered a strong reaction online with several public figures expressing concern. Among them was award-winning actress and activist Nomzamo Mbatha who publicly condemned the alleged abuse and called for the suspect’s immediate arrest. Netshiunda confirmed that the suspect was arrested on Monday, less than 48 hours after the case was reported. “Hardly 48 hours after the case was reported, police have arrested a 24-year-old suspect in connection with the alleged assault of his 31-year-old girlfriend and maliciously damaging her vehicle during a domestic violence-related incident at V Section in Umlazi,” he said.
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