Senzo Mchunu, the Minister of Police, will be present at the Richmond magistrate’s court in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday for the bail hearing of a suspect who is accused of using a screwdriver to pierce his ex-girlfriend’s eyes.
According to Kamogelo Mogotsi, Mchunu’s spokesperson, the suspect is accused of attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in the wake of a horrific case of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal’s Maswazini neighbourhood.
“On 16 April 2025, a woman was allegedly attacked by her ex-boyfriend while at home with her mother,” said Mogotsi.
“The suspect reportedly assaulted the mother before proceeding to violently attack the young woman, allegedly gouging both of her eyes with a screwdriver. She is currently receiving treatment at the Harry Gwala District Hospital.”
The accused was located and taken into custody shortly after the incident, according to Mogotsi, and will make an official bail application on Tuesday.
“The minister of police will attend the court proceedings in support of the victim and her family.
“His attendance follows a personal visit to the family on Sunday, where he extended his sympathies and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the fight against gender-based violence and femicide — a national priority,” said Mogotsi.
Third quarter crime statistics
KwaZulu-Natal recorded 1 915 attempted murder incidents during the third quarter of the 2024–2025 fiscal year, which ran from October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, according to crime statistics.
The majority of the 1 915, attempted murder cases were caused by robbery (189), retaliation/vengeance/punishment (113), and arguments/misunderstandings/road rage/provocation (597 incidents).
Furthermore, according to the most recent crime statistics, there were 153 attempted murder cases involving domestic violence in KwaZulu-Natal between October 1 and December 31, 2024.
In addition, 1 664 assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm cases involving domestic abuse occurred in KwaZulu-Natal.
