⚠️ WARNING: This article contains descriptions of violence and may be distressing to some readers. ⚠️
Woman Brutally Assaulted and Dragged in Front of Her Children in Acornhoek
Acornhoek, Mpumalanga — A shocking incident of violence has sparked national outrage after a video showing a woman being brutally assaulted and dragged along the ground in front of her crying children went viral on social media.
The assault allegedly took place on Friday, 16 January 2026, in Maromeng village, Acornhoek, Mpumalanga. In the widely shared footage, a man and a woman are seen attacking the victim while her young children trail behind her, screaming and pleading for their mother. The man is allegedly using a sjambok, while the woman is dragged and beaten in full view of onlookers.
Adding to public anger, the person filming the incident can be heard laughing, seemingly entertained by the violence, instead of intervening or calling for help.
According to community members, the assault is linked to a long-standing dispute between the victim and an elderly woman, known locally as a gogo, who lives next door. Neighbors claim the assaulted woman had for years verbally abused the elderly woman, allegedly swearing at her and calling her vulgar names loudly and publicly.
Residents further allege that the bullying had been ongoing for a prolonged period, causing distress to the elderly woman. It is claimed that the gogo had previously reported the matter to both the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the local tribal office, but no effective action was taken.
The individuals seen in the video are believed to be the gogo’s children and grandchildren, who allegedly took matters into their own hands after repeated complaints failed to yield intervention.
The emotional impact on the children has been a major concern for viewers of the video. Child welfare advocates warn that witnessing such violence can have long-term psychological effects, including trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress.
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