Racist act under police investigation
The altercation in a Richards Bay car park has left a woman traumatised
A WOMAN was left shaken and fearing for her life on Sunday after reportedly being verbally assaulted and physically threatened by an aggressive male motorist in a parking lot.
The incident occurred at 12.45pm in a parking lot in the central CBD at Richards Bay.
The complainant, who spoke to the ZO under condition of anonymity, had finished her shopping and loaded her bags into her car with the help of a security guard.
‘I started my car and reversed it, and while I was reversing, a car guard shouted at me to stop,’ she said.
‘I stopped in shock, trying to understand what was going on around me’.
It was then that the male driver of another vehicle allegedly walked up to the complainant and started hitting her through her open window, while hurling racist slurs at her.
‘I asked him why he was hitting me and he said, ‘Come out, I want to kill you!’ she said.
‘I have never been so terrified in my life’.
The complainant said the man refused to let her re-park her vehicle but instead forced her keys out of the ignition.
‘He could not show me any dents to his car but shouted at me to pay the damages now’.
She said the man eventually gave her keys back, damaged and separated from the immobiliser.
‘I felt so small, like nothing, I felt so powerless, humiliated and ashamed’.
Richards Bay SAPS Communications Officer Captain Debbie Ferreira confirmed that a case of malicious damage to property has been opened and is under investigation.
No accused has yet been charged and relevant statements will be obtained.
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
