The family of a 70-year-old woman injured when a motorist drove into protesters during a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) shutdown in Observatory on Friday 21 November, is pleading for justice.
The group was among thousands who joined the recent national shutdown demanding urgent action on the country’s GBVF crisis.
The incident happened in a circle on Main Road,
In a video shared on social media, protesters are seen holding placards and singing, and vehicles can be heard hooting in the background.
A few minutes later, the driver of a white Toyota Corolla drives into the protesters and then drives away.
One man is pushed onto the front of the car while the driver keeps going. He slides off the moving vehicle and falls to the ground.
An elderly woman is hit by the car’s side mirror and the side of the vehicle. She loses her balance and falls toward the edge of the road.
Both were taken to a medical facility for treatment.
The woman’s niece has since spoken out on social media, calling for the driver to be held accountable.
“No one should ever be harmed for simply standing up against GBV. Her children are shaken, hurt, and angry and we as the family refuse to stay silent…We need justice for my aunt and for everyone who was injured. Help share, anyone who believes in protecting the right to protest and the fight against GBV,” read the Facebook post.
Sgt Wesley Twigg, provincial police spokesperson, said a case ofreckless and negligent driving is being investigated by Woodstock police. He confirmed that the driver is still at large.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made yet.”
Gary Adams, acting chair for the Woodstock community policing forum, wished both victims a speedy recovery.
“We feel for the lady and gentleman who suffered. We heard the 70-year-old lady has been admitted to the hospital and has been treated. And we hope that she recovers soon.”
Adams said the driver’s actions were “homicidal and wrong” and urged protesters to follow the rule of law while protesting.
Contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously if you know the perpetrator.
