Shocking video footage of a Cape Town businessman beating his wife in bed while his daughter is trying to protect her has been circulating on social media.
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The suspect, who may not be named to protect his victims, made an appearance in the Belville Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday on several charges of assault.
The mother and child will be represented by Afriforum’s Private Prosecution Unit, which is calling for justice to prevail and for the businessman to be held accountable for his actions.
Subsequently, the video has gone viral in social media groups across the country.
Warning: Graphic Content
#DomesticViolence A girl protects her mom from her dad. The Cape Town businessman denied he “abused” his wife – says the conduct was “inappropriate behavior”.
The Private Prosecution Unit is supporting mother and child. The man appeared in court yesterday charged with assault. pic.twitter.com/tpXoI2hOpj— Barry Bateman (@barrybateman) January 25, 2023
The video shows the businessman and his wife in bed while their daughter lies between them.
The man gets up and starts hitting the woman while he has his phone in his hand.
The daughter attempts to intervene as her father attempts to get on top of her mother, hitting her continuously.
The young girl is seen pushing her father away, but he continues to hit the mother.
He then throws his phone aside as he essentially climbs on top of his two victims, hitting and punching them continuously.
He then manages to throw the woman from the bed and apparently begins to strangle her while his daughter looks on.
AfriForum confirmed that the man is a successful businessman in Cape Town, adding that the abuse had been going on for years, with assault charges filed against the accused in 2018.
However, he was granted bail while her attorney, at the time, said that the mother and child were unable to testify.
“Several incidents were captured by the couple’s closed-circuit TV. In August 2018, the unit’s client opened a case of assault against her husband,” said Afriforum. “The police arrested the accused, and he was later granted bail.”
“Unfortunately, years of physical and emotional abuse had taken its toll on the woman and her daughter. Her then attorney told the prosecutor that they were emotionally unfit to testify – the case was subsequently withdrawn.”
Afriforum said it had made representations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the matter was re-enrolled.
“We will keep a close eye on this case to ensure justice is done. We appeal to victims of gender-based violence to speak out and seek support. There will always be someone to stand by your side, like our Unit which has assisted many women in similar positions,” the unit’s spokesperson, Barry Bateman, said.
The businessman is expected back in court on February 16.
Victims of domestic violence are encouraged to report the incident and seek help.
People Opposed to Woman Abuse (Powa) provides counselling, both over the phone and in person, temporary shelter for and legal help to women who have experienced violence.
TEARS Foundation provides access to crisis intervention, advocacy, counselling, and prevention education services for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and child sexual abuse.
Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) are one-stop facilities that have been introduced as a critical part of South Africa’s anti-rape strategy, aiming to reduce secondary victimisation and to build a case ready for successful prosecution. The website also provides access to information on gender-based violence.
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Picture: Pexels