RUSTENBURG HERALD - SWARTRUGGENS - Vuyo Amos Papa (38) appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 21 August, for two counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and resisting arrest. He was remanded in custody until Friday, 23 August 2024, to receive assistance from legal aid.
The accused's court appearance emanates from an incident in which he allegedly assaulted a woman and her daughter on Monday, 19 August 2024, in Swartruggens. The incident was widely circulated on social media platforms.
Subsequent to the incident, members of the community alerted the local police who responded swiftly and found the suspect still assaulting the 31-year-old woman. It was also established that the suspect assaulted the victim’s seven-year-old daughter. Although he attempted to resist the arrest, the accused (the victim’s boyfriend) was apprehended.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the accused has previous convictions of assault (common), assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and possession of a dangerous weapon. The crimes were committed between April 2004 and December 2017. In all the cases, the accused paid admission of guilt fines.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, strongly condemned the incident, which occurred during Women’s Month and was committed by someone who was supposed to protect the victims.
He further applauded the police for their swift response that led to the arrest.
