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By Blake Linder

Journalist


Novare CEO who ‘assaulted’ pregnant woman at Steers suspended

The man was involved in the assault of a politician's daughter at the Featherbrooke Village Steers in Roodepoort.


Romeo Makhubela was seen on CCTV footage brutally attacking eight-month-pregnant Bianca Fourie at the Steers in Featherbrooke Village in a scuffle about a parking spot on 26 April, Roodepoort Northsider reports.

Makhubela has since been suspended from his position as chief executive officer at Novare Consultants, and an investigation into the matter has been launched by the company. Makhubela has laid a charge of crimen injuria against Fourie.

You can watch the footage here.

Novare is an independent advisory business in Rosebank that provides investment consulting services to institutional clients.

READ MORE: Man opens case of crimen injuria against assaulted pregnant woman

The investigation by Novare will be conducted by two non-executive Novare directors and a leading South African law firm.

According to Novare’s spokesperson, Anika Theron, an interim CEO has been appointed in his place.

“An interim CEO has been appointed from within the Novare team with immediate effect to ensure the continued operation of the business.

Novare does not condone violence of any kind and the behaviour displayed is not a representation of Novare’s culture,” Theron said.

The incident occurred after Fourie, who is the daughter of Krugersdorp Freedom Front Plus councillor Amanda de Lange, arrived at the shopping centre and found a parking space being vacated by another vehicle.

She stopped to wait for the vehicle to leave, so that she could use the space.

While she was waiting, a man in another vehicle allegedly motioned to her to give way, so that he could pass.

She then pointed out that she was waiting for the car in the spot to leave.

Makhubela is believed to have then confronted Fourie at the entrance to Steers where the assault took place.

As seen in the footage, Fourie attempted to avoid Makhubela by walking around him, but he still lashed out and assaulted her.

Fourie is said to be recovering at home, and her unborn child is reportedly unharmed.

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