Attack in Chatty leaves survivor fearful to return home
A woman who was allegedly attacked by a family member in an open field in Chatty in May is recovering from severe injuries and continuing to cope with lasting psychological trauma, the court heard this week.
Chuma Vapi, 26, suffered more than 10 stab wounds, a broken ankle and what she described as a near-fatal cut to her neck when she was attacked on 30 May, according to court papers and a police statement. She told reporters she survived by pretending to be dead before summoning the strength to flee and get help.
Alleged attacker in custody but not produced in court
The suspect, identified in documents as 35-year-old Malibongwe Vapi — a cousin of the victim — was arrested on 7 June and is being held at St Albans Prison. He faces a charge of attempted murder.
The matter was due to be heard at the Gqeberha magistrate’s court on Wednesday, but the accused was not brought from St Albans Prison. The court was told the suspect had “forgotten” about the court date and that prisoner transport had no option but to leave him behind or risk running late with other detainees due in court. As a result, the case was provisionally postponed to 22 October for a trial date to be set.
Police and community response
Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, a SAPS spokesperson, confirmed that Chatty detectives are investigating a case of attempted murder. In a statement she said:
“It is alleged that at about 1.15am on May 30, the victim was on her way home from a friend’s house, accompanied by her cousin. While they were walking, the suspect allegedly attacked the victim with a knife. The victim sustained injuries and was taken to hospital for medical treatment. After being discharged, she reported a criminal case of attempted murder. The 35-year-old suspect was arrested on June 7 and subsequently appeared in court.”
Following the appearance this week, community leaders from Chatty rallied in support of Vapi. Close to 30 residents — mostly women — picketed outside the magistrate’s court on Wednesday morning, according to reporting from the scene.
Victim recovering at home
Reporters visited Vapi at her home earlier this week. She remains in recovery, bearing visible scars along her neck where a knife came close to severing her airway. Vapi told reporters she would not remain silent about what happened to her and wants the matter to proceed to trial.
The motive for the attack remains under investigation.
- Victim: Chuma Vapi, 26 — more than 10 stab wounds, broken ankle, neck injuries.
- Accused: Malibongwe Vapi, 35 — arrested 7 June, detained at St Albans Prison.
- Charge: Attempted murder. Case under investigation by Chatty detectives.
- Court status: Appearance scheduled this week; accused not produced. Matter provisionally postponed to 22 October.
- Community action: About 30 residents (mostly women) picketed outside Gqeberha magistrate’s court in support of the victim.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 29–30 May | Attack occurred on the night of 30 May; victim says events began on 29 May when she visited Marikana |
| 7 June | Suspect arrested |
| 26 August | Accused not produced in Gqeberha magistrate’s court; matter postponed to 22 October |
The failure to produce a detainee for court underlines persistent logistical challenges in prisoner transport and court scheduling. For survivors of violent crime, delays to court processes can compound trauma and impede access to justice. Community leaders in Chatty have pressed for the matter to be expedited so the victim can see the case proceed to trial.
SAPS said detectives continue to investigate. No further details about a motive were provided at the time of the court appearance.
The victim remains fearful of returning home in Chatty, community sources reported, and the visible outpouring of support at the court reflected local concern about safety and accountability. The court will next consider the matter when it reconvenes to set a trial date on 22 October.
