KwaZulu-Natal police have responded to social media posts accusing officers of failing to act after a woman reported an assault at Umlazi police station on Friday, 9 January 2026.
Police said they acted within 48 hours of the complaint and arrested a suspect linked to the case.
Officers arrested a 24-year-old man on Monday, 12 January, in connection with the alleged assault of his 31-year-old girlfriend.
The incident reportedly took place in V Section, Umlazi. Police said the case falls within the context of domestic-related violence.
Details of the alleged assault
According to police, the man asked the woman to come to his home to collect her belongings.
When she arrived, he allegedly assaulted her using a pipe, bit her, and hit her with his hands.
Police said the woman managed to escape and run back to her vehicle. The suspect allegedly followed her and smashed the rear windscreen.
Police confirmed that the woman is currently receiving treatment in hospital for burn injuries.
Investigators allege she sustained the injuries while setting her boyfriend’s vehicle alight. The fire destroyed the car.
Police said they will charge her with assault and malicious damage to property once she is discharged from hospital.
Previous cases between the couple
Police noted that the couple has a history of laying charges against each other.
Courts previously heard these cases, but they did not always classify them as domestic violence matters.
Police urged people in romantic or domestic relationships to resolve disputes without violence and to seek help from trusted individuals or support services when conflicts arise.
Police are keeping the suspect in custody and will bring him to court soon.
