The 22-year-old was arrested on Thursday following the surfacing of a video clip on various social media platforms showing the physical altercation. In the video, the perpetrator can be seen physically assaulting a woman on two occasions, while another unidentified woman can be heard hurling insults at the victim.

Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has strongly condemned the incident captured in the video that has been widely circulated on social media. “I was horrified to see the attack on the woman who posed no threat to her attackers.

“The assault was a sobering reminder that the fight against Gender Based Violence was far from over, and I join the people of our province in condemning the barbaric attack on a defenseless woman by a violent man.

“There is absolutely no justification for this act of violence, and we appeal to our law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrator to book and impose a harsh sentence.”

Meanwhile, Free State department of education spokesperson Howard Ndaba has said the department was shocked by the footage and condemned the assault in the strongest possible terms.

“We were taken aback by the footage circulating on social media. This is gender-based violence in its totality.

“A case of common assault has been opened with the police, and the department will provide psychosocial support to the victim and three student teachers who were with her during the incident.”

Police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli confirmed that the victim had opened an assault case and that investigations were underway. Police have appealed for calm while investigations continue.

“We strongly plead for calm and space to allow the police investigation to take its natural course. The police view all acts of violence, particularly against the vulnerable, in a serious light and are committed to ensuring that justice is served.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cvs

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