Student accused of exaggerating injuries

File Photo: Clyde Robinson

File Photo: Clyde Robinson

Published Jul 31, 2014

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Bloemfontein - Medical records do not support the injury claims of a Free State student alleged to have been assaulted by two fellow students, the Bloemfontein Regional Court heard on Thursday.

Cobus Muller faces four charges which include reckless driving, crimen injuria, attempted murder and assault, while Charl Blom faces a charge of assault.

The State indicated the two students tried to run over fellow-student Muzi Gwebu with their bakkie on the university's Bloemfontein campus in February this year.

When Gwebu confronted the two students moments after this, he was allegedly assaulted.

Muller and Blom have pleaded not guilty to the respective charges they face.

“Hospital records show everything was normal,” Johann Nel, counsel to the two men, said to Gwebu in cross-examination.

The alleged victim replied that he could not comment on a doctor's report.

“I put it to you that your (medical injury) claims... you are exaggerating, because your medical record does not back you up,” Nel said.

Mwebu answered that his personal feelings in hospital could not be felt by another.

Nel submitted to court Mwebu felt so good at 2am after being discharged from hospital, he wanted to go to the Park Road police station to lay charges immediately.

A UFS security vehicle was at the hospital to take him back to campus and to open charges at the institution's security centre.

“I saw it irrelevant to lay charges at the university,” Mwebu answered.

Nel further argued Mwebu's claims of experiencing discomfort after the alleged vehicle incident and assault were unreliable.

“It's not backed up by the reports and your actions after you have been discharged,” said Nel, adding the State gave his medical records of the incident to the defence.

Mwebu did not reply to this comment.

The court adjourned to Monday next week.

Sapa

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