The North West High Court in Mahikeng has ordered the Police Ministry to pay R2.2 million in damages to a woman who lost her right eye after police shot her with a rubber bullet.
The woman had initially claimed R3.5 million.
The incident happened on 11 July 2019 when the woman, then 19 years old, was struck in the eye while doing chores in her yard.
Police had responded to nearby civil unrest at the time.
Woman Blinded by Police Rubber Bullet During Unrest
According to IOL, at the time of the shooting, the woman was running a growing business selling homemade atchar door to door. Earning about R3 600 a month.
The injury resulted in the complete loss of vision in her right eye, which surgeons later removed and replaced with a prosthetic.
Trauma and Public Scrutiny
Since the surgery, the woman has struggled with trauma linked to the prosthetic eye’s unnatural appearance and its failure to move in sync with her remaining eye.
The court heard that the visible difference in her eyes has drawn unwanted public attention.
Additionally, she suffers from mucosal discharge with an unpleasant odour from the prosthesis, worsening her distress and embarrassment.
“The scarring beneath the right eye from the surgery adds to her disfigurement and deepens her emotional discomfort,” the judgment stated.
Loss of Confidence and Social Withdrawal
Burdened by her traumatic experience, the woman told the court that the incident had shattered her self-worth and confidence, especially as a young, unmarried woman.
She described herself as a naturally extroverted and socially active person before the incident. She also said she now suffers from severe social withdrawal and avoids public spaces.
Compensation Covers Medical and Living Costs
Her claim included compensation for future medical treatment. Covering consultations with ophthalmologists, occupational therapists, and industrial psychologists.
Acting Judge Roshiela Titus said, “It is common cause that the plaintiff has endured pain and suffering, disfigurement, permanent disability and loss of amenities of life. While the first defendant (Minister of Police) has achieved a measure of success in reducing the amount of general damages. The plaintiff is largely successful in this matter, and there is no reason why the normal rule that costs follow the event should not apply.”
The final award of R2 205 567 covered general damages, loss of earnings, future medical expenses, assistive devices, and the costs of personal care assistance.
Do you think the compensation awarded is enough to cover the lifelong trauma and hardship caused by the police’s actions?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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