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A NORTHERN Cape court has awarded Martin Damon R150,000 in damages after he sustained severe injuries in an assault while detained at the Nababeep police station.
The incident occurred on March 3, 2012, when Damon was attacked by a fellow detainee, suffering serious neck and spinal injuries. He received medical treatment at a hospital in Springbok and later at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley.
Damon took legal action against the police minister in 2015, alleging that the assault was due to the unlawful conduct of police officers. The Police Ministry has been ordered to pay the damages, highlighting concerns about police accountability.
The court's judgment noted that Damon's injuries had a significant impact on his life, leaving him unable to walk without support and experiencing difficulty sleeping. He also requires ongoing medical intervention for pain management and has been left with permanent disabilities.
Despite the police minister's counsel arguing that there was no proof of the extent of Damon's injuries, the judge found that the plaintiff's frail appearance and ongoing pain management needs justified the R150,000 award.
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