In an interview with the Northern Natal Courier, 63-year-old Mrs Sizakele Dlamini spoke out about the vicious attack she encountered at MediClinic Newcastle.
Her voice dripped with emotion and pain, as she recalled the events leading up to the assault. “I left the ward for fresh air, shortly after doing so four young white people arrived and allegedly parked their bakkie in a parking spot reserved for ambulances.A man and three women came out of the vehicle and stood next to where I was sitting,” Ms Dlamini explained.
The man had allegedly lit a cigarette and approached her, forcing her to smell the smoke.She asked the man what he was doing, worried the smoke might trigger an asthma attack.
After that question, what happened next was incorrigible. In a blatant show of disregard for others, the man allegedly waved the cigarette in her face.
Mrs Dlamini’s voice rose with anger and disbelief when she explained how she asked the man the reason behind his rudeness.
“Why are you doing this?is it because I’m a woman and a black woman”, Mrs Dlamini recalled.
The man’s wife interrupted stating, “ag nee man moenie so races wees”.
Mrs Dlamini shot back, also in Afrikaans saying, “ek is nie”.
After an exchange of words, the man allegedly threatened to hit her. Allegedly he proceeded to punch her with a closed fist.
“She (wife) grabbed me by my clothes and shoved her down to the ground.”
Both husband and wife punched her as she lay defenceless on the floor.
Mrs Dlamini was taken back to the ward, but claimed she felt unsettled and wanted to identify the attackers but was told to go to the ward.
“I was supposed to be discharged on Monday, 29 June, but my doctor said I have to go for a brain scan and an x-ray as I am feeling pains on my back and head and my eye spectacles have been trampled on
“My doctor said I have to also wait for the trauma councillor, as I was traumatised when this happened”, Mrs Dlamini whispered.
She concluded the interview by stating how, “she felt spiritually and physically hurt”.
What are your views about this story?
Tell us by posting on our Facebook timeline, Northern Natal Courier or tweet us at@nncourier
Add us on BBM for the latest news in your community – 2BA8E40E
(Please note: Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Northern Natal Courier)
