Tension flared in Parkgate, KwaZulu-Natal, on Monday after residents threatened to assault a man accused of gender-based violence. The incident prompted a response from Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), who arrived on an unnamed road at around 10:14 following calls for assistance from the community.
According to initial reports, the suspect allegedly attempted to stab a woman during the early hours of the morning. He is believed to be the boyfriend of the complainant’s sister and is accused of attacking the victim with a kitchen knife during an argument between the two women.
The victim contacted police at 07:15 to report the attack but was reportedly told to proceed to the local Community Service Centre to open a case a response that left residents furious. Frustration soon escalated, with community members threatening to confront and assault the suspect themselves.
A Community Policing Forum (CPF) member told RUSA officers that the man might also be wanted in connection with a murder case in Pietermaritzburg, though this has not yet been verified.
RUSA officers remained on scene as of 11:43, awaiting the arrival of Verulam SAPS, who will take over the investigation.4