KZN police arrest man after social media outcry over alleged domestic assault

KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the alleged assault of his partner, following widespread calls for action on social media.

The arrest comes after a 31-year-old woman took to social media, accusing the police of failing to make any arrests despite her having opened multiple cases against her partner.

The woman said she turned to social media to raise awareness about her situation after she was allegedly attacked by her partner. Her posts, detailing several incidents of alleged abuse, have since gone viral across multiple platforms.

According to preliminary reports, the suspect allegedly called the victim to his residence on Friday under the pretext of collecting her belongings. It is alleged that he then assaulted her.

Provincial police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said the suspect allegedly assaulted the victim with a pipe and continued the assault using his hands, also biting her.

“It is further alleged that the suspect followed the victim when she attempted to flee and damaged her vehicle,” Netshiunda said.

The victim’s family has confirmed that she is currently in the intensive care unit (ICU) after sustaining burn injuries, which were allegedly incurred when she set her boyfriend’s vehicle alight.

Police say once the woman has been discharged from hospital, she will face charges of assault and malicious damage to property. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.