Cape Town – A man who allegedly beat up his girlfriend has handed himself over to cops after the story appeared in the Daily Voice.
The 32-year-old – known as “King ding a ling” – is expected to make his first appearance at the Mitchells Plain Magistrate's Court on Monday on a charge of assault.
The father of one, who cannot be named until he appears in court, was arrested on Friday when he turned himself in at Mitchells Plain Police Station.
This after his girlfriend, Ronelle Ellenburgh, 25, laid charges against him and police were hunting him.
Last week Ellenburgh, a mother of one, said she had to break the cycle of silence after she was allegedly beaten black and blue by her boyfriend of a year.
She said her boyfriend, who loves jewellery, was wearing huge rings on both hands at the time. He also wears big earrings and chains every day.
Ellenburgh’s relatives dubbed him “King ding a ling” because he allegedly had several affairs and had been cheating on Ellenburgh.
Young mom opens case against 'abusive, controlling' lover
The alleged attack happened in the early hours of last Sunday, inside Las Vegas Lounge in Westridge, Mitchells Plain, where Ellenburgh claims her boyfriend demanded to know why she was there without his permission.
He then allegedly dragged her out of the club and assaulted her in his car on their way home.
Ellenburgh’s right eye was swollen shut and she had huge bruises on her face and neck.
Imprints of the rings were also visible on her skin.
The young mother admitted their relationship was rocky and claims she had often been slapped around by her boyfriend, but that this had been “the worst attack”.
Ellenburgh also obtained a protection order against her boyfriend, fearing he may come after her should he be released from jail.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana confirmed the arrest: “We can confirm that a 32-year-old suspect was arrested and will appear in court on Monday.”
Ellenburgh on Sunday said she was relieved her boyfriend was behind bars, and that he could now feel what he has put her through.
“I feel relieved. I want him to be a prisoner, to feel how it feels,” she said.
“I fear he might get out, but I trust God that He will protect me wherever I may go.”
She has also started a support group on Facebook, called “Stand Up Against Woman Abuse”, and urged women to break their silence.