Woman Allegedly Beaten, Locked Inside Home for Days as Police Docket Later Went Missing

A woman from Khayelitsha suffered significant injuries after allegedly being assaulted and locked in a shack by her boyfriend in July 2022, raising issues about how her police case was managed.

At 26 years old and a mother, Yamkela Sikhafungana had gone to see a friend when her boyfriend reportedly grew angry, locked her in their home, and violently attacked her.

Yamkela sustained severe injuries, such as facial fractures, a broken nose, severe swelling around her eyes that impaired her vision, damaged blood vessels that necessitated eye surgery, and a head wound. She remained hospitalized for over a week.

Additionally, her possessions were reportedly destroyed, with her clothes and personal items burned. Following the assault, she was allegedly thrown outside wearing only her underwear.

The situation worsened when her boyfriend told her family that she was missing, and subsequently contacted her sister to ask if they had seen her.

Concerned relatives began searching for Yamkela and grew suspicious when they noticed her WhatsApp account was still active, suggesting someone else might be responding to messages.

Eventually, a cousin visited the shack. When her boyfriend allegedly refused to open the door, neighbors helped force it open, finding Yamkela injured inside and quickly taking her to the hospital.

She later filed a report at Harare SAPS, leading to the arrest of her boyfriend, Silulami Madikizela, who was charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

By the end of July 2022, he was released on bail under the condition that he have no contact with Yamkela, a condition her family later claimed he violated by contacting her and remaining nearby.

The case encountered another complication when a magistrate directed the investigating officer to either find the missing docket or reconstruct it.

Yamkela’s situation underscores the dangers of improper handling of domestic violence cases and highlights the need for protecting victims after they report abuse. 💔

Adejumoke [email protected]