Stephanus Nieuwoudt and his spouse, Maria, are accused of assaulting and traumatising an adolescent.
- The close-knit Klawer group is reeling following the arrest of a farmer and his spouse in reference to the kidnapping and assault of a 14-year-old lady from the realm.
- Stephanus Nieuwoudt and his spouse, Maria, are accused of assaulting and traumatising {the teenager}, apparently to the extent that she can’t sleep.
- The man was granted R5 000 bail whereas his spouse was launched on a warning.
The arrest of a farmer and his spouse from Klawer within the Western Cape on prices of allegedly assaulting and kidnapping a 14-year-old lady from the realm has despatched shockwaves all through the close-knit farming group.
Stephanus Nieuwoudt, 58, and his spouse, Maria, had been arrested final week and appeared within the Klawer Magistrate’s Court this week.
The arrest of the couple from Trawal close to Klawer, brings to 2 the variety of violent instances within the space involving an adolescent this 12 months.
Klawer first dominated headlines following the homicide of 13-year-old Jerobejin van Wyk in February.
Mere days after he went lacking, in a shock to the small city, his stays had been present in a drain on the property of 54-year-old Daniel Smith who’s accused of the boy’s homicide.
Smith faces prices of homicide, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.
The homicide uncovered deep underlying social issues, fuelling a spike in crime within the space, with farming teams elevating considerations concerning the therapy of farm staff and their households.
READ | Klawer killing: Family of Jerobiojin, 13, fears justice will be delayed
The co-founder of the Ubuntu Rural Women and Youth Movement, Wendy Pekeur, stated: “This has opened up wounds of Jerobejin.
“Children have rights on this nation, and we demand that the legislation takes its course, and let there be justice for this little lady.”
Pekeur stressed much more had to be done to change the dynamics in rural towns where farmers were still seen as the “baas, or oubaas” and workers struggle to be treated as equals.
The director of the Rural and Farmworkers’ Development Organisation, Billy Claasen, said the incident involving the teenage girl occurred on Tuesday, 30 August.
“It is alleged that the farmer and his spouse assaulted and closely traumatised this child, to the extent that she can’t sleep.
“It is unacceptable that children are not safe in the Klawer area,” he stated.
Claasen known as on the provincial police commissioner to ship a group of senior investigators to prioritise the case and probe all allegations.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila stated the couple confronted prices of kidnapping, assault with intent to trigger grievous bodily hurt, and crimen injuria.
READ | ‘Heinous and inhumane’: Anger in Klawer after teen’s body parts reportedly found in suspect’s drain
“The matter was set down for a formal bail application, and the State opposed the release of accused one [Stephanus].
“Both events proceeded by submitting affidavits, with the State presenting one ready by Sergeant Abrahams.
“The husband also submitted an affidavit. The wife was released on a warning. The husband was granted R5 000 bail on condition that he does not have any contact with the complainant and does not go to the farm where the complainant resides,” Ntabazalila added.
Matzikama Municipality Mayor Johan van der Hoven stated he was shocked by the arrest of Nieuwoudt and his spouse in reference to the assault and kidnapping of the lady.
“We condemn acts of violence against women and children and firmly believe that the law must take its course.
“If an individual is discovered responsible, there have to be penalties and sentences that act as a deterrent,” he added.
