An Umlazi policeman, who in a horrific case of gender-based violence threw boiling water on his girlfriend during lockdown, is facing a charge of attempted murder in the Umlazi Magistrates Court.
Thabiso Eugene Mchunu, 37, a constable at the Umlazi police station allegedly forced his 28-year-old girlfriend into his vehicle on June 5, 2020, and took her to his home.
Mchunu then allegedly ordered her to strip naked and tied her hands behind her back before pepper-spraying her in her face and on her genitals. He then poured boiling water from a kettle over her.
Another girlfriend, Asanda Mbele, who had allegedly been standing behind him at his home during the incident was earlier sought by the police as a witness.
She surprised the victim’s family when she appeared in court in the public gallery during one of Mchunu’s appearances last year. Mbele was also apparently present at the scene when police officers arrived after the victim’s parents reported how their daughter had allegedly been forced into Mchunu’s vehicle at a petrol station. The victim had gone with her cousin to draw grant money for her parents.
Mchunu, who has been denied bail despite bringing two applications that were vehemently opposed by the state which is concerned for the victim’s safety, appeared briefly in court on Wednesday for the start of his trial. His attorney had argued at the time that Mchunu “stands to lose a lot should he be refused bail because he will lose his job and he has a minor child who he supports”
On Wednesday Mchunu’s attorney asked the court for time to review the clinical psychologist’s report on the victim’s trauma pertaining to the case of gender-based violence.
Magistrate Asheena Bacharam adjourned the matter to Tuesday 23 March to allow the defence the time to review the document. The suspect was remanded in custody.
