Western Cape police have confirmed that a case of common assault and malicious damage to property has been opened against a Cape Town woman who was reportedly assaulted at a restaurant in Pearl Valley, Franschhoek.
Johan van der Merwe, who is accused of beating Ntombizodwa Sephoko, 40, at the Savoye restaurant on the Vrede en Lust Wine Estate in Franschhoek, has filed counter charges.
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An unknown female was allegedly spotted removing a cellphone out of Van der Merwe’s wife’s bag while the family was praying over their food at the eatery.
Van der Merwe said Sephoko pushed him into the pool and slapped him, causing his wife’s cellphone to be damaged.
This week, a video of a bloodied Sephoko being attacked by Van der Merwe in the swimming pool went viral on social media.
He appeared to be attempting to drown her before his son and wife intervened, separating them.
Sephoko has been charged with assault and malicious damage, according to police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk.
“According to the complainant, he and his family were at a farm in Simondium on 16 April, 2023.
“The complainant’s family asked his mother-in-law to pray for the food when they saw an unknown female taking something out of his wife’s bag. Accused then pushed him into the swimming pool and slapped him.
“Accused then damaged his wife’s cellphone. The suspect was arrested,” Van Wyk said.
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Sephoko previously told the Cape Argus that she had permanent scars and was traumatised after being reportedly attacked by Van der Merwe on April 16, while she and a friend went to check out the restaurant as a possible destination for a birthday celebration.
Sephoko opened an attempted murder case at Groot Drakenstein SAPS against Van der Merwe on April 27, 2023.
The occurrences involving Sephoko and Van der Merwe are still under investigation, according to police.
WATCH | Van der Merwe assaulted and nearly drowned a black woman at Franschhoek restaurant over cell phone
Johan van der Merwe is facing charges of attempted murder, assault, theft and damage to property after he brutally attacked Ntombizodwa Sephoko at a Franschhoek restaurant.… pic.twitter.com/m2MJHDcbKI
— Mamelodi Beacon (@MamelodiBeacon) June 8, 2023