Locked Inside for Hours’: Woman Rescued After Alleged Assault in Ezibeleni

A 54-year-old man from Mabuyaze, Ezibeleni, appeared in the Ezibeleni Magistrate’s Court on 10 June 2026 after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and locking her in his house for hours.

According to police spokeswoman Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, the incident occurred on 8 June 2026 at around 23:30. The suspect allegedly invited his 44-year-old girlfriend to his home and assaulted her with a stick and fists “without giving any reason”.

On 9 June at about 08:00, the accused allegedly locked the victim inside the house to prevent her from reporting the matter, then left the premises. Police said they were alerted by a witness.

“When officers arrived, the door was locked and the suspect was absent. After police contacted him, he returned and opened the door, allowing them to rescue the victim,” she said.

Mgolodela said the victim opened a case of assault GBH linked to domestic violence and sustained a swollen face, bruises and cuts all over her body.

“The accused was arrested immediately. He appeared in court on 10 June and the matter was remanded to 11 June for a formal bail application. He remains in custody,” she said.

ANC Women’s League coordinator Nosipho Papiyana said: “We unequivocally condemn all forms of violence against women and children. Gender-Based Violence remains a scourge that continues to rob women of their dignity, safety and fundamental human rights. No woman should ever be subjected to abuse, intimidation, torture or any form of inhumane treatment.”

Papiyana added the ANCWL is “deeply disturbed by the allegations and call upon the South African Police Service to conduct a thorough, impartial and urgent investigation.”

SADTU Ikhala Branch Secretary Hlon’phile Sigwayi-Mda also issued a strong condemnation following a separate GBV case involving former SADTU Branch Secretary Comrade Sandiswa Mkhwambi, who was allegedly kidnapped for two days and suffered severe physical assault.

“SADTU Ikhala condemns GBV in the strongest terms. Violence against women is an assault on human dignity, and it cannot and will not be tolerated. No one is above the law,” Sigwayi-Mda said.

She called on police and the justice system to act swiftly and said “no political or social connections should shield anyone”.