This article contains graphic content and is not advised for sensitive readers.
Devastating and anger-inducing video footage began doing the rounds on social media recently, reportedly exposing a Cape Town businessman in abusive antics.
Said video shows a man beating his wife in bed while their little girl tries multiple times to protect her mother. It has since gone viral, sparking deserved outrage from South Africans everywhere.
The suspect, who may not be named to protect his victims, reportedly made an appearance in the Belville Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday on several charges of assault.
The mother and child will be represented by Afriforum’s Private Prosecution Unit, which is calling for justice and for the abuser to be held accountable for his actions.
Warning: Graphic Content
#DomesticViolence A girl protects her mom from her dad. The Cape Town businessman denied he “abused” his wife – says the conduct was “inappropriate behavior”.
The Private Prosecution Unit is supporting mother and child. The man appeared in court yesterday charged with assault. pic.twitter.com/tpXoI2hOpj— Barry Bateman (@barrybateman) January 25, 2023
The video shows the businessman and his wife in bed while their daughter lies between them.
Thereafter, the man starts hitting his wife—phone in hand—before the little girl tries to intervene.
The young girl is seen pushing him away, but he relentlessly continues to hit the mother. He then throws his phone aside and scrambles on top of his two victims, where both are harmed.
Later, he manages to throw his wife from the bed and seemingly strangles her.
Rounds of assault charges
AfriForum confirmed that the man is a successful businessman in Cape Town, adding that the abuse had been going on for years, with assault charges filed against the accused in 2018.
However, he was granted bail while her attorney, at the time, said that the mother and child were unable to testify.
“Several incidents were captured by the couple’s closed-circuit TV. In August 2018, the unit’s client opened a case of assault against her husband,” said Afriforum. “The police arrested the accused, and he was later granted bail.”
“Unfortunately, years of physical and emotional abuse had taken its toll on the woman and her daughter. Her then attorney told the prosecutor that they were emotionally unfit to testify—the case was subsequently withdrawn.”
Afriforum said it had made representations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the matter was re-enrolled.
“We will keep a close eye on this case to ensure justice is done. We appeal to victims of gender-based violence to speak out and seek support. There will always be someone to stand by your side, like our Unit which has assisted many women in similar positions,” the unit’s spokesperson, Barry Bateman, said.
The alleged perpetrator is expected back in court on 16 February.
Help for victims of GBV
No victims of GBV should feel that they must suffer in silence or alone.
Reach out resources:
People Opposed to Woman Abuse (Powa) provides counselling, both over the phone and in person, temporary shelter for and legal help to women who have experienced violence.
TEARS Foundation provides access to crisis intervention, advocacy, counselling, and prevention education services for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and child sexual abuse.
Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) are one-stop facilities that have been introduced as a critical part of South Africa’s anti-rape strategy, aiming to reduce secondary victimisation and to build a case ready for successful prosecution. The website also provides access to information on gender-based violence.
Feature Image: Pexels
