Beaten and locked up by her boyfriend – all because she visited a friend’s place.
Yamkela Sikhafungana is a 26-year-old mother from Khayelitsha who was severely beaten in her face because she was out with a friend in July this year.
The suspect, who was granted bail at the end of July, was due back in court this week (6 September 2022).
Sikhafunga met her boyfriend three years ago. At first, she said, there were no red flags and described him as a typical ‘good guy’. Then, however, the ‘niceness’ faded, and months into the relationship, he started hitting her.
She broke up with him, but he begged her to take him back, and they resumed their relationship.
In mid-July, she was at her friend’s place, but she didn’t want to go home because she feared her boyfriend would argue with her and eventually end up in a fight. But she later returned home and discovered that he had burnt her clothes and personal belongings.
The woman said he showed no anger until he locked the door to the shack.
“He closed the door, put the keys on the table and punched me. He continued to hit me, and I shouted. He continued and hit me so hard that I fell under the table. Because I screamed so loud, the neighbours came out, but he didn’t open the door.
“He tore my skirt and pushed me outside. I only had my underwear on; it was humiliating and embarrassing,” she said.
Sikhafungana said her injuries were severe, to the extent that bones were fractured. In addition, both eyes were swollen, and she was unable to see through her eyes.
After reporting the matter at Harare SAPS, the boyfriend was arrested and was granted bail in July.
Action Society has met with the victim to discuss the case and will assist and support the victim. In addition, Sikhafungana has mandated Action Society to help with further investigation on the matter and with prosecution oversight.
