When love hurts :: Mmegi Online

A dramatic love story unfolded before the public and in court this week. The incident has left many baffled, some outraged, whilst many others are deeply concerned. The story has gripped the nation, not because it is about young love but because it is a chilling reminder of how toxic love can dangerously blur the line between affection and obsession. Staffers SHARON MATHALA and LARONA MAKHAIZA reflect on the case.

Keipile Stoffel (35), the man at the centre of a viral video in which he is captured assaulting Pearl Montsho (27) in front of minors, stood before the Magistrate facing charges that many expected would set an example for perpetrators of Gender Based Violence (GBV).

The accused, a prosecutor from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), also faces another count for ill treatment of children. Yet, in an unexpected twist, Montsho denounced the violence inflicted on her and refused to testify against her lover. The Magistrate, after weighing the testimony and evidence, eventually granted Stoffel bail, but the conditions were that Montsho was to be taken to a safer home and be shielded from meeting with the latter.

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