A Limpopo gogo is still shaken by the incident where a local traditional leader severely assaulted her with her walking stick accusing her of killing his two chickens. Gogo Mpobonyane Mampana(82) says the chief's chicken laid eggs in her yard and she took them to the palace in Ga-Mampana village outside Jane Furse in Limpopo.

MET WITH INSULTS

The gogo says instead of thanking her, the local chief greeted her with insults and accused her of killing his chicken. "He threw the first dead chicken in my face, as I was trying to understand what was going on, he threw the second one while busy insulting me," she said. Gogo Mampana says still in shock she tries walking away "Firstly he threw one dead chicken in my face and while I was still trying to figure out what was happening he threw another one. Still in shock I tried walking away, but the enraged young man kept following me even when he could see that I was scared," said gogo Mampana. 

ASSAULTED WITH OWN WALKING STICK 

Gogo Mampana said she uses a walking stick because she needs it for balance because of her old age but the chief grabbed it by force from her and used it to assault her. She explained that she was first hit on her head and then on the rest of her body mercilessly by the35-year-old. "The first hit on my head so hard I immediately fell on the ground. That did not stop him from continuing to hit me on the rest of my body and even kicked me on my neck while I was down. The bashing was so hard to thepoint that I was left in a pool of my own blood, but he cared less and just walked away when he was satisfied," she added. "Not only is he my chief and I his subject, but he is also young enough to be my grandchild, how dare he lay his hands on me. He has just taken away some of his blessings because he hit an elderly and frail woman. My ancestors will not be pleased by this,". The gogo was left with a swollen hand and stitches on her head.

FAMILY ENRAGED 

The gogo's family says they were shocked by the incident especially because it was committed by someone who was suppose to protect the old woman. They say they will not be taking the incident lightly and view it as a serious gender-based violence matter. They say the attack on the vulnerable pensioner revealed the true character of their chief. The gogo's sister, Kanyane Mampana said they fear for the safety of the gogo and are deeply hurt by what happened. "This is really sad, she's old and she's complaining about her body being sore, especially her tummy from all the beating. This is all so disgusting and disturbing. We fear that next time he will kill her," she said. 

CHIEF BEHIND BARS

Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that a 35- year-old suspect was arrested by Nebo police. "He is charged with assault with intention to cause grievous bodily harm. He will appear in court soon," Ledwaba said.