A chilling video showing a father punching, kicking, dragging and strangling his teenage daughter as she screams helplessly has led to the arrest of a 42-year-old Limpopo man, after the brutal assault sparked outrage on social media.
Police in Limpopo confirmed the man was arrested for allegedly attacking his 17-year-old biological daughter after a disturbing 6-minute-and-33-second video of the ordeal went viral, leaving community members horrified by the sustained violence inflicted on the defenseless child.
The incident unfolded on Monday, 5 January, at around 17:00, in Armoede village outside Mokopane.
In the footage, the man is seen repeatedly punching and kicking the teenager, dragging her along the ground and overpowering her. At one point, he appears to strangle her, throw her to the ground and step over her as she lies helpless and vulnerable, while onlookers watch in shock.
Community members can be seen gathering at the scene, with some attempting to intervene, but failing to stop the attack as the man continues to assault the girl.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the arrest followed the circulation of the graphic video, which was brought to police attention by a concerned community member within the Mahwelereng policing precinct.
“After police viewed the footage, immediate action was taken. The suspect was traced and arrested on Tuesday, January 6,” Mashaba said.
He added that the victim was assisted accordingly and the matter was transferred to the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for further investigation.
The suspect has since been charged with child abuse, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and domestic violence. He remains in police custody and is expected to appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 7 January.
Meanwhile, Acting Limpopo SAPS Provincial Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers described the incident as a grave betrayal of parental responsibility, stressing that any form of violence against a child warrants the full might of the law.
“The abuse of a child, particularly by a parent who is entrusted with their care and protection, is utterly unacceptable and criminal. We commend the community members who reported this incident and urge communities to continue speaking out against all forms of violence, especially those committed against women and children. The SAPS will ensure that the law takes its full course,” said Scheepers.
The Star
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