lydia van der merwe

⭕️WARNING GRAPHIC⭕️ A 50-year-old woman is recovering after a violent farm attack near Coligny in which she was allegedly ambushed while walking back from horse stables about 500 metres from the farmhouse. According to the report, she was struck more than ten times with an iron pipe, nearly lost consciousness, and then turned onto her back and kicked repeatedly in an apparent attempt to survive. Despite her injuries, she managed to make it back to the house and alert her husband. Her husband immediately raised the alarm and farmers from the surrounding area reportedly responded quickly to assist. The farm owner also helped to get her to hospital in Klerksdorp. The victim is now recovering physically, but the trauma remains severe, especially because the attacker is still not in custody. What is equally troubling is the family’s account of the police response. They say police and the dog unit were on the scene on Tuesday evening, but left when it started raining. They further allege that, despite repeated enquiries, the victim’s statement had still not been properly taken and there had been little to no meaningful communication afterwards. The family says they have been left with silence while vital time and possible evidence were lost. Police have confirmed that a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm was opened and that the victim’s statement still had to be obtained. The report also notes that police initially issued incorrect details about both the date of the attack and the victim’s age before later correcting it. No suspect has yet been arrested. This case raises two serious issues. First, the brutal reality of violent attacks in rural areas. Second, the continued failure of policing follow-up, victim communication and basic investigative urgency. When someone is nearly beaten to death and the attacker is still free while the family struggles even to get feedback, the system is not serving victims properly. IC maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-n…