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Barry Bateman discussing the case this morning
Video footage of a man viciously assaulting his wife has been making waves across South Africa. In the video, Jaco Swart can be seen attacking his estranged wife, Nicoleen Swart, at their business. One of the videos also includes footage of the assault happening in front of their children.
The accused, Jaco Swart, pleaded guilty to charges of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH).
According to Bateman, he was sentenced to a R20,000 fine or a three-month prison term and a further three-year prison term suspended for five years. Bateman also said that the defence counsel claimed that Swart was "showing remorse and he is going for counselling". The state never confirmed whether this was indeed true.
The video footage shows two specific incidents on the 15th and 18th of November 2018, which the court never saw and was not included as evidence in the trial.
Days before his trial, two other claims of assault were made against Swart. One of which, allegedly included an assault on his ex-girlfriend and her friend.
Nicoleen Swart, the accused's estranged wife, approached Gerrie Nel after the sentence and has since reported on the incidents of abuse and how it started. The 18th of November was the last instance of abuse after Nicoleen went to the police.
"Full Credit to the police. They assisted Nicoleen in going and collecting her belongings and children."
According to Bateman, "the case is not going to go any further. The case is closed!"
"She has moved on with her life. She is in a good place."
If you or anyone you know are experiencing abuse, please contact the numbers below:
Crime Stop (all cases of rape, sexual assault or any form of violence): 086 00 10111.
Childline (report child abuse, toll-free line): 0800 055 555.
Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (24-hour, toll-free line): 0800 428 428.
Commission for Gender Equality (report gender discrimination and abuses): 0800 007 709.
More information and video footage available on Barry Bateman's Twitter.