Pretoria - Police in Sunnyside, east of Pretoria, on Monday vowed that they will continue pushing for cases of domestic violence to be heard before courts, despite attempts by victims to withdraw reported cases.
"An attempt by a 29-year-old woman earlier this afternoon [Monday] to withdraw a case of assault against her 40-year-old husband was put on hold following a team talk between the State prosecutor and the police," said station commander of Sunnyside police,Brigadier Ramakamakama Kekana.
"We are fully aware that most of the victims of domestic violence are dependant on the perpetrators one way or the other, however, it would be irresponsible for us to allow cases to be withdraw willy-nilly without exploring alternative dispute resolutions that are at our disposal."
It is believed that the victim arrived at a flat that she shares with the suspect at about 2.30am on Sunday morning, and found the suspect asleep.
"The suspect reportedly accused her of promiscuity and demanded to have sex with her. Upon her refusal, the suspect allegedly attacked her, using hands and other objects," said Sunnyside police spokesperson, Captain Daniel Mavimbela.
"The suspect was arrested on Sunday shortly after the incident was reported to the police. He was charged with assault under the Domestic Violence Act, an offence that requires the immediate removal of the alleged perpetrator from the scene, into police custody, and that is not negotiable."
The man appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Monday, and the matter was postponed to Wednesday.
The man was in custody while his status in South Africa was being verified.
"The so-called blessers and other persons who believe that they can violate the rights of their dependants and hope that cases, if opened, will be simply withdrawn due to the victims' dependence on the perpetrators, should think twice," said Mavimbela.
"The police in Sunnyside are determined to ensure that persons who abuse their partners either physically or otherwise, have their day in court irrespective of withdrawal statements being submitted by the victims."