Cape Town - Verity Engel, who said her boyfriend nearly beat her to death, has denied getting back together with him.
Despite family and friends, and even her boyfriend himself confirming they were a couple again, the divorced mom of three this week told the Daily Voice she and Tyler Maart were “just friends, not lovers” and it’s all for the sake of their baby son, Jeremiah.
Verity, 31, infuriated her family, friends and a female support group which have been at her side since the attack in February, after Maart on Facebook confirmed they have kissed and made up and told people to butt out of their lives.
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On Saturday, 20-year-old Maart wrote on Verity’s wall: “let me know when you are near baba j miss you.” [sic]
When shocked people started questioning if they were back together, he confirmed: “yes we still together, keep your face out of other people’s business. You know what, look at your own life you don’t judge other people. [sic]”
Verity was left with a broken cheekbone, cracked jaw, broken eye socket and her lip was cut open, and doctors inserted metal plates into her face during reconstructive surgery.
Support poured in for Engel who contacted the Daily Voice seeking help to jail her “abusive” boyfriend, who beat her unconscious at her home in Capricorn.
However, Eric Ntabazalila, spokesman for the regional National Prosecuting Authority confirmed a charge of attempted murder was dropped against Maart by Verity on 26 June at the Muizenberg Magistrates’ Court during an apparent mediation process.
Verity Engel accused boyfriend Tyler Maart of attempted murder. Picture: Supplied
After her story was published on Tuesday, Verity contacted the paper claiming she and Maart were not together, and that his Facebook account had been hacked.
“Since this thing broke out, I contacted him and his Facebook was hacked by someone I know very well, and who would do it as she has done it a few times before,” she claims.
“We get along for our son’s sake, however, I do not appreciate people making their own assumptions. The rumours are not true and I’d just like to be left the hell alone.
“I am not in good health as I have a bad infection in my broken jawline and cannot speak as it is painful. I just got back from the doctor as well as the dentist and started a course in antibiotics.
“I deleted my Facebook account as I couldn’t understand why people would assume stuff since I did not post anything.”
Asked why she had dropped charges against Maart, she would not comment.
She would also say nothing about family and friends confirming she and Maart were together.
Speaking through his mother on Thursday, Maart said he had no comment.
Lucinda Evans, of Philisa Abafazi Bethu, and chairperson of the Mitchells Plain Cluster Forum, said she was disappointed with Verity, especially since it’s Women’s Month, and that she was the one who approached the organisation for help.
Lucinda said Verity has blocked her on social media.