Seven months after arresting a Kwelera grandmother for assaulting an eight-year-old disabled boy, police have yet to finalise the case.
Nozimbo Skade, 62, was arrested on January 21 by Blue Water police after allegedly hitting a disabled boy on the head with a plank.
The child’s mother, who cannot be named to protect the child’s identity, yesterday told the Daily Dispatch police had turned their back on her pleas for justice as Skade was free.
“After calling the investigating officer more than 30 times, on Monday I decided to go to the East London Magistrate’s Court to find out the status of the case.
“I was told that the matter is not on the court roll.”
The 34-year-old mother said she went to court because investigating officer, Detective Constable Akhona Waphi, had ignored her calls.
“Every time I call him for an update he tells me that he will get back to me. He always says he can’t talk as he is in court,” she said.
In response, Police spokesperson Lieutenant Nkosikho Mzuku said Skade was arrested and appeared in the East London Magistrate’s Court on January 22.
“She was charged with assault- with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The case was withdrawn pending investigation. The complainant was informed about the arrest and the progress in the case,” Mzuku said.
He said the docket was with the state prosecutor and police were waiting for further instruction.
“We refute allegations that the detective investigating this case is not providing feedback to the complainant and not taking the case seriously,” said Mzuku.
“Detectives are sometimes in court or conducting operational duties which means they are not in a position to take phone calls.”
He said the case was still under investigation and the mother would be updated on any progress.
“SAPS is committed to ensuring that a service of high standard is delivered at all time,” said Mzuku.
The mother said her son had been playing with a five-year-old neighbour when they got into a fight.
“The boy assaulted my son and fled. My son is disabled so he cannot run. He threw a stone at the boy, but missed.
“The boy reported this to his grandmother who then came for my son, armed with a plank, and assaulted him,” she said.
Residents alerted her to the beating and she found her son bleeding from the head.
“I ran to his rescue armed with stones but residents restrained me until I was calm. I took him to Frere Hospital and opened a case immediately.”
She said her son had not yet recovered from the beating and was fearful of Skade. — zwangam@dispatch.co.za
Mom accuses cop of ignoring attack
Nozimbo Skade, 62, was arrested on January 21 by Blue Water police after allegedly hitting a disabled boy on the head with a plank.
The child’s mother, who cannot be named to protect the child’s identity, yesterday told the Daily Dispatch police had turned their back on her pleas for justice as Skade was free.
“After calling the investigating officer more than 30 times, on Monday I decided to go to the East London Magistrate’s Court to find out the status of the case.
“I was told that the matter is not on the court roll.”
The 34-year-old mother said she went to court because investigating officer, Detective Constable Akhona Waphi, had ignored her calls.
“Every time I call him for an update he tells me that he will get back to me. He always says he can’t talk as he is in court,” she said.
In response, Police spokesperson Lieutenant Nkosikho Mzuku said Skade was arrested and appeared in the East London Magistrate’s Court on January 22.
“She was charged with assault- with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The case was withdrawn pending investigation. The complainant was informed about the arrest and the progress in the case,” Mzuku said.
He said the docket was with the state prosecutor and police were waiting for further instruction.
“We refute allegations that the detective investigating this case is not providing feedback to the complainant and not taking the case seriously,” said Mzuku.
“Detectives are sometimes in court or conducting operational duties which means they are not in a position to take phone calls.”
He said the case was still under investigation and the mother would be updated on any progress.
“SAPS is committed to ensuring that a service of high standard is delivered at all time,” said Mzuku.
The mother said her son had been playing with a five-year-old neighbour when they got into a fight.
“The boy assaulted my son and fled. My son is disabled so he cannot run. He threw a stone at the boy, but missed.
“The boy reported this to his grandmother who then came for my son, armed with a plank, and assaulted him,” she said.
Residents alerted her to the beating and she found her son bleeding from the head.
“I ran to his rescue armed with stones but residents restrained me until I was calm. I took him to Frere Hospital and opened a case immediately.”
She said her son had not yet recovered from the beating and was fearful of Skade. — zwangam@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos