Kwatsaduza – It is true that many women find themselves victims of assault at the hands of their partners and relatives.
Capt Petros Mabuza of Tsakane police says many women who have been victims of assault later withdraw the cases.
He says in most cases the victims are assaulted by their husbands, lovers and ex-boyfriends.
“The perpetrators are normally under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident,” says Mabuza.
He says victims are mostly commonly aged between 18 and 42 years old.
Talking about when police arrive on the scene of a domestic assault, Mabuza says they immediately arrest the suspect and advise the victim to open an assault case.
“The police's job is to ensure that everyone in the community is protected,” says Mabuza.
He confirms that many victims withdraw the cases against the suspects, claiming to have sorted out their relationship differences.
Mabuza says depending on the seriousness of the case, a perpetrator can be released on a warning, receive a fine or suspended sentence, or can be imprisoned for two to eight years.
