Mother of teenage assault accused breaks down
THE mother of a 19-year-old who has been charged with severely assaulting his 17-year-old former schoolmate‚ captured in a video that went viral‚ broke down in the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court outside Durban yesterday.
Lindokuhle S’phiwe Dube‚ a Grade 10 pupil at a high school in KwaMashu‚ was released on R1 500 bail.
He has been charged with assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The slightly built teenager was supported by his mother‚ Happy, who broke down in the public gallery as he cut a lonely figure in the dock.
Wearing a camel jacket with faux sheep trim‚ ripped jeans and sandals‚ Dube hugged his knees as he crouched in the dock.
He covered his face as photographers took pictures while he consulted his state-appointed lawyer during a short break.
The state did not oppose bail as he was not considered to be a flight risk and had handed himself over with the help of his father, who was also present in court.
His lawyer had requested that bail be set at R500.
The state set bail conditions that include him not interfering with state witnesses‚ not directly or indirectly contacting the complainant‚ going to her home‚ school or sending someone there.
The court heard that Dube was in an exam room when he had an argument with the complainant’s sister and allegedly assaulted her.
The two were separated by a teacher and the exam proceeded.
After the exam‚ Dube went outside and saw the complainant chatting to a friend.
He confronted them and asked if they were talking about him.
When she denied it he left, but returned a short while later and allegedly assaulted her.
The girl tried to fight back but Dube allegedly continued the assault until her nose bled.
Dube will return to court on September 14.