Disabled eSikhaleni man fears for his life
A DISABLED eSikhaleni man says he is fearing for his life after his alleged assailant was released by the eSikhaleni Magistrate’s Court owing to insufficient evidence. Patrick Mthembu (40) from the Bhekizwe area says his attacker was roaming the streets.
‘It all started last Tuesday. As I was preparing to go to bed, I heard knocking at my door. When I opened the door, my neighbour pulled out a spear and placed it on my throat, threatening to kill me. I had no choice but to fight back and shouted for help.’
Mthembu, who walks with the aid of a walking frame, said he grabbed the weapon, trying to wrestle it away from his attacker.
‘He dragged me to the stairs outside the house as I was holding onto the spear, fearing that if I leave it he would finish me off.
‘I sustained bruises all over my back. When community members arrived he ran away, leaving his spear behind.
‘We called the police and they reacted swiftly. The attacker was arrested on the same day.
‘However, I almost fainted when I discovered he was released after only two days of his arrest. The investigating officer confirmed the man had been released as some documents went missing from the docket,’ said Mthembu. King Cetshwayo Police Cluster spokesperson, Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose, confirmed that a case of common assault and intimidation was opened at eSikhaleni SAPS. ‘The suspect (47) was taken to court and was released. The court ordered the investigating officer to collect more evidence. It is not true that the case has been withdrawn,’ said Mdlalose.