Couple recover from machete attack
The man was carrying his four-year-old son when he was attacked.
A Montclair couple, who was attacked with a machete and golf sticks, at their home in Roland Chapman Drive is seeking counselling since they were discharged from hospital. The couple were attacked by the woman’s brother-in-law and his group of friends after a family meeting turned violent, recently.
Their four-year-old child, who was flung to the ground during the attack. Speaking on condition of anonymity, Stella David* said her sister, Susan Abrahams* hosted the meeting to resolve some issues when Susan’s brother-in-law, accompanied by his friends, attacked the couple in a fit of rage at the entrance of their home.
“Susan’s husband was carrying their four-year-old when he was attacked by the gang of men. He was beaten with golf sticks and a machete and is currently struggling with his health. The toddler fell to the ground and sustained minor injuries, and is very traumatised since the incident.
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“Susan sustained a laceration on the forehead and received 15 stitches. “Her husband, who has previous health-related problems due to seizures, was also slashed on the head. “He received seven stitches as the ear was cut during the attack. We hope that police apprehend the perpetrators and they face the wrath of the law. “Our family’s lives have been affected because the couple is unable to work now, are still in pain and trying to recover from this gruesome tragedy,” said David.
Communications officer of Montclair SAPS, Captain Derek Vijiam, confirmed that two charges of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm was opened and is being investigated. “On Friday, February 11, at about 20:15, the victim held a family meeting at their residence on Roland Chapman Drive, Montclair. This included the victim’s husband, her brother-in-law and his friends.
“During the course of the meeting, the brother-in-law became very violent. He pulled out a machete and assaulted the victim and her husband. Both received extensive injuries and were taken to Wentworth Hospital,” he said.
Chairperson of the Montclair Community Policing Forum, Aaron Nyadi, said while the incident was not brought to his attention, family violence and social crimes were a cancer in society and people need to find more amicable and peaceful ways to resolve their differences.
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“We appeal to residents to stop resorting to violence as violence is not the manner in which one should solve their problems. “What is worrying is that incidents involving family violence and social crimes affect children in these households, who then grow up thinking that violence is the way to solve matters. “We need to stand together as a community and root out violence, as criminals who inflict violence have no place in society,” he said.
*Names changed to protect their identities.
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