An Anglican reverend, who went on a hunger strike last year in protest against an alleged sexual assault on her by a church leader, has been viciously attacked.
June Dolley-Major, 47, from Woodstock, was brutally beaten by five armed men who stormed the bed-and-breakfast where she works last Wednesday.
Just after 10pm, the robbers entered the premises and attacked her at the reception desk, demanding the combination to the safe.
The men were said to have arrived in two cars and two of them had AK47 rifles.
June would not reveal the name and location of her workplace for fear of being victimised.
Her face is covered in bruises and swelling, one eye completely shut, but June believes she would have been dead but for the grace of God.
She says she was interrogated and assaulted.
She was able to see four of the men but not the leader of the group, who “spoke very softly”.
June described the terrifying attack: “They bound my hands and feet and wrapped a towel around my head and beat me with a firearm in my face continuously.
“When I fell to the ground, they continued to kick me and I pretended to be unconscious.
“The beating went on for a long time. I was traumatised with fear and prayed the ‘Our Father’ out loud to centre myself. I wanted to survive.
June before the attack. CREDIT: Facebook
The robbers managed to get into the safe and steal cash, DStv decoders, camera equipment and tapes.
They broke through a door and entered the shop next door, raiding several items there too.
“The night duty supervisor found me and called the police. They arrived soon thereafter,” she adds.
“I am thankful to be alive and grateful that I was able to survive yet another ordeal. This has again shown me God’s mercy is infinite. I am protected by His grace,” says Reverend June.
Provincial police investigators say a charge of business robbery, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and attempted murder are being investigated.
June’s misfortune continues after the Anglican Church refused to investigate her claims that a reverend from the church had sexually assaulted her and attempted to rape her.
The police investigation into her claims is ongoing.