Wentworth GBV survivor clings to hope for justice

Her long wait for justice ended in disappointment when her alleged attacker only paid a R5 000 fine despite pleading guilty to holding her captive and brutally beating her.

Dominic van der Haar, Tracey Williams and Noleen Ogle outside the Wentworth Magistrate's Court during a previous court appearance.

SURVIVOR of a brutal gender-based violence attack, Dominic van der Haar, is hopeful that she will get justice after all, following her meeting with officials from the Department of Justice to review the outcome of her assault (with intent to do grievous bodily harm) case.

A collage of photos taken after Dominic escaped from her attacker was used as evidence in court.

Her long wait for justice ended in disappointment when her alleged attacker, Jaleel Lindhorst, only paid a R5 000 fine despite pleading guilty to holding her captive and brutally beating her.

Glad that she finally had her concerns addressed, Van der Haar, a chef student at the International Hotel School said, “I am completing my third and final year, this year, however, I am only able to complete the hours that I have missed out on due to the assault. This nightmare continues to follow me.

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“Due to the severe injuries I sustained, my left ear drum was perforated, causing hearing loss. Recently, my ears have been infected and I experienced severe pain. Due to this, I had to undergo a further operation.”
The 19-year-old underwent a procedure called tympanoplasty, aimed at repairing her eardrum, on February 22. The procedure will also serve to prevent further ear infections, and possibly reverse the hearing loss she suffers since the injury.

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“I am recovering from the surgery and will have to go for further checkups next month. My studies continue to be disrupted, however, I will continue to give it my all.

“I am happy that the case will be relooked at due to the corruption and injustice that has been carried out at the Wentworth Magistrate’s Court. Despite everything, I will remain positive, and fight till the very end,” added Van der Haar.

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