Ritchie woman fears for family’s safety after man ‘goes on rampage’

A RITCHIE resident, Mpho Fitshane, fears for her family’s safety after her daughter’s former boyfriend allegedly assaulted and threatened them at knifepoint after breaking down the door to their home.

Fitshane, who lives with her two daughters and one-year-old grandchild, alleged that the suspect terrorised them for three hours.

“The suspect is the father of the infant. He threatened us for three hours during the early hours of February 15 and assaulted me. Although he was arrested, I am afraid that if he is granted bail he will kill us, because he has already threatened to do so. There are only women residing at the house and we have no means of protecting ourselves, especially since the door has not been repaired. I am unable to sleep at night and am taking medication for a psychological condition,” said Fitshane.

She added that she had obtained a protection order against him last year, as he lives nearby.

“My daughters are alone at home when I go to work in Kimberley.”

Northern Cape SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said that the Modderrivier police were investigating multiple charges against the 27-year-old suspect, including attempted murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property and intimidation.

Sam stated that the suspect allegedly assaulted multiple victims in Ritchie on February 15.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect assaulted a 25-year-old man at a business establishment in Motswedimosa and continued by assaulting his ex-partner, who ran away seeking refuge at her home,” he said.

“The suspect went on a rampage by breaking down the door of his ex-partner's home, threatened those inside the house with a knife, and assaulted his ex-partner's mother.”

Sam said the suspect will remain in custody until his next court appearance in the Modderrivier Magistrate’s Court.

“He is expected to appear for a formal bail hearing on March 5. Police investigations are continuing,” he added.