A man in KwaZulu-Natal has been arrested following a social media storm over allegations that he assaulted his girlfriend. The incident, which took place in Umlazi, south of Durban, has sparked widespread concern online after the woman accused police of initially failing to act on her repeated reports.
KwaZulu-Natal police confirmed that the suspect, a 24-year-old man, was arrested in connection with the alleged assault of his 31-year-old girlfriend. Authorities stated that the woman will also face charges following the incident, including assault and malicious damage to property.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS, provided further details about the events that led to the arrests. According to the police, the incident occurred when the suspect allegedly called his girlfriend to his residence to collect her belongings. Upon her arrival, he reportedly attacked her using a metal pipe, physically assaulted her with his hands, and even bit her during the altercation.
“The victim attempted to flee to her vehicle, but the suspect followed her and caused further damage by breaking the rear windscreen of the car,” Colonel Netshiunda said.
Further investigations revealed that the woman is currently receiving treatment in hospital after sustaining burn injuries. Police allege that these burns occurred when she allegedly set her boyfriend’s car on fire, completely destroying the vehicle. Once she is discharged from hospital, she is expected to face charges for assault and malicious damage to property.
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The police statement also highlighted that this couple has a history of opening cases against each other, though previous cases were not necessarily classified as domestic violence. “These matters have been addressed in court before, but it is evident that tensions between the two have escalated,” Colonel Netshiunda explained.
Authorities are urging couples involved in domestic disputes to resolve their conflicts peacefully and to seek support from trusted friends or family members instead of resorting to violence. “Domestic disputes can quickly escalate to serious criminal offenses, and the safety of all parties should always come first,” he added.
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The arrested suspect is scheduled to appear in court soon. Police continue to investigate the matter to ensure that justice is served for both parties involved.
This incident underscores the growing attention on domestic violence cases in South Africa and highlights the role of social media in bringing such matters to public awareness. Community members and authorities alike are reminded of the importance of reporting and addressing domestic abuse promptly to prevent escalation.
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