Phemelo Mochoari appeared in the Batho Magistrate’s Court on Friday (12/6) in connection with the alleged assault of student teacher Masego Mogorosi, 21. The matter was postponed to Monday (15/6) to allow for further investigations.

Community members gathered outside the court in support of Mogorosi. Free State MEC for community safety, roads and transport Jabu Mbalula was also present during the court proceedings.

Mochoari was arrested on Thursday (11/6) after a video clip showing the alleged assault surfaced on various social media platforms. In the footage, a man can be seen physically attacking a woman on two occasions, while another unidentified woman is heard hurling insults at the victim.

Free State police spokesperson Sgt Mahlomola Kareli appealed for calm as investigations continue. “The SAPS views all acts of violence, particularly against the vulnerable, in a serious light and is committed to ensuring that justice is served,” Kareli said.

The incident has sparked widespread concern over violence against women. Tensions reportedly escalated when scores of community members marched to the residence of Mochoari, a learner, to express their frustration. The situation intensified after community members were informed that he was not being held in police cells.

The South African Council for Educators (SACE) has strongly condemned all forms of violence, intimidation, harassment and abuse directed at educators and student teachers. SACE said it noted with concern the incident involving a UFS student teacher who was allegedly attacked while attending teaching practicals near Lekhulong Secondary School.

The council further stated student teachers form part of the education profession and should be afforded the same dignity, protection and respect as qualified educators. 

Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae also strongly condemned the incident. “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 defenceless 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.”

The Free State department of education said it was shocked by the footage and condemned the assault in the strongest possible terms.

Department spokesperson Howard Ndaba said, “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.”

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