Assault on Mariannhill woman riles community

THE Mariannhill/Mariannridge community came together on Saturday to create awareness of gender based violence following a disturbing incident on Tuesday, 2 June.

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Danielle Maistry, a final-year business administration student, was rescued by police and CPF members after she was beaten to pulp by her boyfriend.

The pictures of the horrific injuries on Maistry were posted on social media which sparked an outrage in the community.

A Mariannhill CPF public relations officer, Neville Skeef, who was among the rescue team, said he could not believe what he saw.

“Maistry was just lying helplessly on the floor.”

Skeef said the 20-year-old was allegedly beaten throughout the night and neighbours were afraid to intervene and contacted the CPF.

The CPF member said they had to break down the door to gain access.

“The suspect picked her up and said this was a private matter. He was arrested immediately,” said Skeef.

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On Saturday, 13 June the CPF, community and officials showed their support to Maistry’s family by joining a demonstration which was aimed at creating awareness against gender violence, saying enough is enough.

Ward councillor, Reginald Bouy Cloete said the campaign went very well.

“In terms of Covid-19 regulations we made sure that we comply, people had their masks on and we used red ribbons to keep 1.5 metre social distance.

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“There were stakeholders from Ward 13 as it was a zonal programme. We were fortunate to have two members of parliament present, Minah Lesoma and Wayne Thring.

Cloete said they gathered and prayed outside the flat where Danielle was almost killed.

“We then carried on with our peaceful demonstration and we prayed in all the squares. Our message was that we will no longer tolerate and child and women abuse.

“Enough is enough,” said Cloete.

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