R2.2m payout for attack after police failure
Two robbers who managed to saw through the bars of their holding cells at the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court during a lunch break and then simply walked out of an unlocked door to the parking area will cost the taxpayer R2.2m in damages. A report on the IoL site notes that this is after the robbers attacked an elderly couple about a week later on their farm near Middelburg.
The man was hit 22 times on the head with a hammer and nearly died. He also lost his finger and his ear was ripped from his head during the attack. The woman was gang raped after she was abducted by the pair. She also suffered several blows and kicks to her body.
The couple claimed that if the SAPS had not left the holding cells unattended on 1 December 2009 they would not have been attacked by the escapees. They initially claimed R10m in damages from the Minister of Police in the Gauteng High Court (Pretoria) following their six-hour ordeal. The Minister accepted 100% liability for the attack, which was made possible due to the negligence of the SAPS who did not guard the cells.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
