Apart from one’s home, one’s own neighborhood is also where one is usually supposed to feel at ease, but such feelings of security have ended for a young resident of Bengal St, Ext 3, Laudium.
Just after 8:00 PM last Tuesday, (October 5), Merisha Van Jaarsveld was attacked by two thugs, who tried to rob her of her phone, as she walked down Bengal Str, towards her home. The 25-year-old was returning home after going to a nearby tuckshop to buy some milk and bread. Merisha tearfully told the Laudium Sun, “After dinner, I told my mom that I was going to Shehr Yar Supermarket [cnr Bengal and Delhi Str], a nearby tuck shop, which is a few houses away from ours, to get some milk and bread for breakfast the next day. As I was leaving, my mum told me to leave the gate open, as I was alone, upon which I told her that nothing would happen and that I would be fine. I did however, leave the gate open. I then went to the shop and bought the milk and bread and some chocolate and proceeded to return home. On my way home, I saw two guys standing on the road on Kathmandu and Bengal St. I changed the side of the road.” Immediately apprehensive, Merisha quickened her step. “One of them ran toward me and grabbed me. I tried to fight them off, but they demanded my cell phone. Luckily, my phone was tucked in my trouser and they did not see it. But, because I refused to relent, one of them hit me with a glass bottle on my head. I fell down with my groceries scattering on the ground. I quickly stood up, tried to push them away and started screaming for help. I was bleeding a lot and just began running home as fast as I could, not taking my eyes off my house. Because the house gate was open, I quickly got inside. It was a very frightening experience for me. I had to go to Kalafong Hospital and received stitches to my head. My arm and elbow were also injured,” Merisha said, shaking her head.
Due to her ordeal at the hands of the thugs, Merisha has lost all feeling of security, “I’m very traumatised. I still can’t leave my house, as I have fear and flashbacks. Because it was dark, I could not make out the thugs clearly. All I recall, is that one was short and one was tall. I did not report the case to the police because I don’t think they will help. I am so grateful to our neighbours who came to my house soon after the incident. They probably heard my screaming. I have been in Laudium for just two months and recently became a Muslim. I would also like to thank all those who assisted me, during my time of need.” Merisha concluded by saying, “There are creeps out there who target women walking alone. Now, all of us have to keep our eyes open and watch our backs.”
Sergeant Simon Chokoe of the Laudium SAPS said, “Residents of Laudium must report any incident that takes place so that the police have a clearer idea of crime in the area and also violence, as she was abused. This is very important as police can then try to investigate the case.”
