SIYATHANDANA Selepe is furious and wants justice.
Siyathandana, from Tsietsi Informal Settlement in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, was allegedly assaulted by a community leader on Friday, 27 September.
She was reportedly attacked for refusing to call a neighbour.
Siyathandana (19) said the community leader argued with one of her neighbours.
"The latter had a heated argument and exchanged words in the street. I don't know what they were arguing about and never even bothered because I don't interfere in other people's matters," Siyathandana said.
She said on 27 September, she was at the spaza shop when the community leader asked her to go and call a woman who was her neighbour.
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"I responded politely and told him I wouldn't be able to do that because I knew there was still tension between them. He got angry and started insulting me and when I responded by saying I couldn't interfere in his matters, he assaulted me, turning me into a punching bag and even kicking me," Siyathandana said.
She said she went to the police station to open a case and was given a J88 form and told to see a doctor at the clinic.
"At the clinic, a doctor examined me and told me there were no physical injuries. He wrote the report and told me to give it to the police. On 28 September, I went to the police station to give the police the report and told them I wanted to open a case against the community leader."
Siyathandana said the police told her they wouldn't be able to open a case and the best they could do was to warn the perpetrator and ask him to apologise.
"I didn't want to do that, but I agreed, and went with two police officers and found him near his home. He apologised and asked me to forgive him. Deep down in my heart, I felt betrayed as I thought the police's job was to open cases."
She said she still believes her rights were violated and wants to open a case against the community leader.
"He punched and kicked me. I believe I have the right to open a case against him."
Ekurhuleni District Deputy Police Commissioner, Brigadier Lebohang Machakela, has advised Siyathandana to go to the Eden Park Police Station and speak to the station commander. It's her right to open a case.
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