Cape Town – A 45-year-old man from Tembisa, Gauteng has reportedly been arrested after allegedly holding his girlfriend, 35, hostage for six months while assaulting and raping her.
According to News24, the woman had been held captive since October 4, 2021. She had been beaten with thin steel that injured her leg, amongst other things.
In a widely shared video, the woman said that she couldn’t even bathe because she was severely injured and could not do most things without help.
She said the last time she went outside was in January when a few women and a councillor approached her to inquire about her situation and offer assistance.
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“Some women and the councillor were here to help me in January and we sat outside the house. But decided to change my story when he walked in, telling them that everything was fine because I was scared of him.
“After the women and the councillor left, he took me inside the room, where he cut the electrical wires, proceeded to pour water inside the washing basket, and threatened to electrocute me, saying I want him to get killed by the community,” she said.
Watch the full video below:
Upon learning about the woman’s situation, the community residents took matters into their hands and beat the man. A concerned resident called the police to intervene.
The suspect was apprehended and taken to hospital under police guard, News24 reported.
The victim said that she wished to return home but was afraid because she had been previously warned by her family about the type of person her boyfriend was.
“I want to go back home. I was planning on telling a lie when I get home and tell them that I got shot by mistake so as to avoid telling them the truth about him abusing me. I am afraid that they are going to tell me that I deserved this,” said the woman.
The suspect has been charged with rape, kidnapping and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He was supposed to appear at Tembisa Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday however due to hospitalisation, the matter has been postponed to March 29.
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Picture: Twitter/@SAPoliceService
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Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
