No justice for GBV victim as attacker walks free
Community leader, Tracy Williams, who rendered support to Dominic and her family since she was attacked, said she was disheartened at the way the court handled the matter.
DISAPPOINTED that justice was not served after the man who held her captive and brutally attacked her only paid a R5 000 fine despite pleading guilty, survivor, Dominic van der Haar, said she continues to live in fear.
Despite her harrowing testimony and medical evidence telling a story of torture and brutality, Dominic’s attacker, 24-year-old Jaleel Lindhorst, who pleaded guilty to assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment or a R10 000 fine when he appeared in the Wentworth Magistrate’s Court. The sentence was halved to nine months imprisonment or a R5 000 fine.
ALSO READ:Â Peaceful GBV protest to be held outside Wentworth court
Lindhorst, who lives one house away from 19-year-old Dominic in the close-knit Wentworth community, was charged for attacking her in his home on August 26, and was granted bail of R500 on October 5. Despite him violating a protection order taken out against him after the assault, Lindhorst was rearrested and again, granted bail.
“It is shocking and disappointing that after the lengthy court proceedings and the amount of trauma I faced, the person who almost took my life was given an option to pay a fine instead of being imprisoned. It is even more disturbing to see him on the same street every day. I continue to live in fear while he is free from all consequences. He shows no remorse after all of this.
“Instead, my family is in and out of court, fighting protection orders he initiates against them. Despite all he has done. I have walked away stronger and I will continue to fight, for the sake of many other women. I have contacted senior officials in the criminal justice system in attempt to have his sentencing relooked at. I hope this can be addressed again as many women will continue to suffer at the hands of men if they know that the consequences would only be a fine,” added Dominic.
Community leader, Tracy Williams, who rendered support to Dominic and her family since she was attacked, said she was disheartened at the way the court handled the matter.
ALSO READ:Â Response team addresses GBV in Wentworth
“Dominque was badly beaten, traumatised and yet she still has to see the man who attacked her walking freely on the same road she resides on. He merely received a fine for something that is considered a serious offence. What is our justice system saying to men who abuse women? Beat them up and you only have to pay R5 000 for the pain you cause, and then walk free without any further repercussions?
“The outcome of the case is a disappointment to our people and is a blow to all women who are abused,” said Williams.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news via our Telegram group, send a WhatsApp message to 084 418 2286.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.
