WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT: WATCH | Outrage as businessman Jaco Swart is fined R20K for brutally assaulting his wife

Jaco Swart

Cape Town – The Pretoria North Regional Court reportedly sentenced businessman Jaco Swart to a R20 000 fine, and a three-year prison sentence, suspended for a period of five years after clips of him brutally beating his wife went viral.

The violent video of Swart mercilessly attacking his wife, Nicoleen Swart, has been circulating on social media, with many calling for justice.

Reports said that Swart, who was facing a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, was sentenced after he reportedly pleaded guilty.

According to AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit which represented Nicoleen in the matter, Swart pleaded guilty to the two counts after facing an unconquerable case supported by surveillance footage of his assault on his wife, reported IOL.

WARNING – Video contains violent graphics that might trigger sensitive viewers

“The CCTV footage captured Swart pushing, punching and kicking his wife at their business in 2018. Some of the vicious attacks took place in front of the couple’s two children,” AfriForum Private Prosecution Unit spokesperson, Barry Bateman was quoted as saying.

Adding salt to injury, the case was initially dropped by the National Prosecuting Authority last year before AfriForum took on, reports said.

However, despite the group’s attempt to build a watertight case, Swart only received what has been described as a ‘slap on the wrist’, reported The South African.

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“The Court dismissed the state’s application to admit the surveillance footage – unless it was prepared to lead evidence to confirm its authenticity. The judge accepted that Swart had shown remorse – despite noting that society looks to the courts for protection in GBV cases.” the publication quoted Bateman.

In a statement by the group, Nicoleen said she wasn’t happy with the sentence but believed a guilty verdict was a win for abused women.

“While I’m disappointed at the sentence imposed by the court, I am pleased with the guilty verdict. It sends a strong message to women that they must speak out against gender-based violence, and there is always an ear willing to listen,” she said.

On social media, many tweeps expressed their disappointment and disgust with the justice system.

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Picture: Twitter/@barrybateman

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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe

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