Sivenathi Toto, a South African lady, suffered severe brain damage and paralysis as a result of a brutal attack by her boyfriend’s rival.
On August 26, 2022, the suspect, Shaun Madonono, also 23, brutally abused the victim, a 23-year-old resident of Lawaaikamp, South Africa, and left her for dead, according to Women for Change.
Nosikhumbuzo Mhlaba, Toto's cousin, claims that the attack was carried out for retaliation.
“Her boyfriend went out and apparently had a fight with the suspect. After the fight, the suspect allegedly returned to the boyfriend’s house to take revenge,” said Mhlaba.
Toto's boyfriend was not at home when Madonono came, and she was sleeping in his outside room. Madonono is said to have broken down the door and dragged the woman inside his house where he severely assaulted her.
"He grabbed her and dragged her to his house two streets away, where he allegedly beat her until she was unconscious," Mhlaba claimed.
Madonno loaded her into his pickup truck after she passed out and deposited her behind the Total garage on Nelson Mandela Boulevard. She was fortunately discovered at night by a gas station attendant.
She was picked up by a neighbor, who then reported what happened to the police. She was then transported to the hospital for a checkup.
Madonono was arrested on the same day. However, he was released on bail and is currently facing charges of assault with the intent to commit grievous bodily harm, kidnapping and housebreaking.
Toto has encountered several health issues since the attack. She experienced a stroke in December 2022 as a result of the shock and injuries brought on by the incident. In April 2023, blood clots were found on her brain.
Toto has to be fed, she has lost part of her cognitive abilities, she can't walk without support, she can't regulate her urination, and saliva drips from her mouth.
“She can’t talk and she has night terrors,” said her father, Simo Toto. “She only wants to sleep next to me. That is where she feels safe.
The victim’s family are currently seeking justice for her.
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