Constant delays in assault case lets policeman’s ex-girlfriend down
AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit was in the Pretoria Regional Court today where the trial of Jacques Loock was finally supposed to proceed. However, the case was adjourned once again after the accused apparently scheduled a doctor’s appointment for today to discuss blood tests. Although the case was placed on the roll for two consecutive days, there was argued (in his absence) that Loock is too ill to appear in court today. The trial has now been adjourned to 7 and 8 November.
Loock, who is charged with assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm on his ex-girlfriend, Izelle Venter, in February 2019, is a captain in the Hawks. The accused’s first appearance in court was on 3 October 2019 and the case was first set down for trial on 3 March 2021. The defense’s legal team also allegedly approached the complainant and offered her money to settle the case, but she refused. Since then, the case has been postponed several times after which Venter approached the Private Prosecution Unit for assistance.
The trial eventually began on 20 May 2022 during which Loock pleaded not guilty and raised the defense that on the night of the incident he consumed too much alcohol while on medication, which caused his actions at the time to be involuntary.
Venter also commenced her testimony during the previous appearance, but unfortunately did not get the opportunity to complete it today. She also said today that she was disappointed that the case had once again been postponed and that she had already prepared herself psychologically that the case would continue today. The victim in this case suffered severe injuries; she testified in May of this year that Loock hit her with the head and pulled her around by her hair.
“This type of Stalingrad tactic of the defense to keep delaying the case causes tremendous secondary trauma for victims who have to relive the trauma of the crime over and over again. It also makes them feel as if the justice system has failed them and that accused persons enjoy more rights than victims and society. That is why AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit will continue to assist her to ensure that justice is done,” says Natasha Venter, Advisor at AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit.
It is unknown whether the accused is still performing his duties as a police officer. “However, one would like to believe that someone charged with a serious crime like this and who is tasked with curbing violence – especially violence against women and children – would be relieved of his duties until the case has run its course,” concludes Natasha Venter.
