Makhanda Man Denied Bail After Allegedly Beating Ex And Throwing Acid On Her

A woman from Makhanda in the Eastern Cape is recovering after allegedly enduring a brutal assault in which her former partner is accused of beating her repeatedly before allegedly throwing acid on her.

The shocking incident reportedly unfolded outside her home in Fingo Village on February 20, leaving the woman severely injured.

According to details shared with authorities, the victim had been struck multiple times across her body before collapsing to the ground in pain. Despite pleading with her alleged attacker to stop, the violence reportedly continued.

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As she struggled to breathe and clutched her stomach after the force of the assault knocked the wind out of her, it is alleged that the man forced her to drink acid. When she refused, the substance was allegedly thrown over her body, burning her face, head and arms.

The woman survived the ordeal and later recounted what happened.

Suspect Arrested After Alleged Acid Attack in Makhanda

Police spokesperson Captain Majola Nkohli confirmed that 53-year-old Bongani Nyikilana was taken into custody two days after the alleged attack.

“[He] made a brief appearance in the Makhanda Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday following his arrest for allegedly pouring his ex-girlfriend with acid,” he said.

“The case was postponed to April 2 for further investigation.

“Nyikilana was arrested on February 22, following the acid attack on February 20 in Makhanda.”

Authorities confirmed that Nyikilana’s request for bail was denied.

Police Explain ‘Skeleton Docket’ Opened at Scene

Questions were raised about why the case was formally opened later.

Nkohli explained that when officers first arrived at the scene, the victim was unable to provide a statement due to the severity of her injuries.

“On arrival, the victim was already lying there on the floor in pain, so police opened what is called a skeleton docket,” he said.

“What normally happens under those circumstances is that police open a docket, which is normally referred to as a skeleton docket, where the police official becomes the complainant.

“That means the police official opens the case on behalf of the victim who is seriously injured.

“That is what transpired on the day.”

He added: “The victim was in a lot of pain that Friday when police arrived … she was lying there in pain.”

Police initially registered the matter as assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

However, the charge was later upgraded.

Attempted Murder Charge and GBV Concerns Raised

Court documents seen by SurgeZirc SA show that prosecutors have since amended the charge to attempted murder.

The charge sheet states: “On or about February 20 near E Street, Makhanda, in the district/regional division of the Eastern Cape, he did unlawfully and intentionally attempt to kill a female person, to wit an adult female and/or with whom the accused is/was in a domestic relationship, by beating her all over her body and by pouring acid on her face, head and arms.”

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An alternative charge of assault has also been listed.

Meanwhile, Unemployed People’s Movement chair Mahlubandile Kuhlane claimed the accused allegedly has a reputation for violence.

“This incident speaks to our justice system which, unfortunately, has consistently failed to deal harshly and decisively with GBV perpetrators,” Kuhlane said.

“Perpetrators keep doing the same dirty act because no examples have been made of previous perpetrators; thus, there is no fear to abuse. It is really sad.”

Kuhlane added that the organisation is assisting the survivor and her family.

“The family of the victim came to us to ask for legal assistance,” he said.

“They said the boyfriend has [an alleged] history of GBV.”