Earlier this year, support poured in for Verity Engel, 31, after she contacted the Daily Voice seeking help to jail her “abusive” boyfriend, who beat her unconscious in their home in Capricorn.
Images of Verity’s bloody and bruised face went viral on social media, and doctors revealed she would have to undergo reconstructive surgery to save her disfigured face.
Verity suffered a broken cheekbone, cracked jaw, broken eye socket and her lip was cut open, and doctors inserted metal plates into her face.
The attack took place in front of the couple’s then four-month-old baby son.
A Facebook page was started for Verity, while women’s rights organisation Philisa Abafazi Bethu in Lavender Hill came out to support the mom at court.
However, everyone was shocked to learn over the weekend that Verity had forgiven her boyfriend, Tyler “Taariq” Maart, and that the two are back together.
On Monday, Eric Ntabazalila, Regional Communications Manager for the National Prosecuting Authority, confirmed that a charge of attempted murder was dropped against Maart on 26 June at the Muizenberg Magistrates’ Court.
HURT: Verity's disfigured face post-attack
“We can confirm that the case was withdrawn because the complainant did not want to proceed,” he said.
This apparently after Maart and Engel underwent a mediation process at his request.
Lucinda Evans, the founder of Philisa Abafazi Bethu, and chairperson of the Mitchells Plain Cluster Forum, says she was shocked to hear the couple was back together after reading their messages to each other on Facebook.
On Saturday, Maart wrote on Verity’s wall: “let me know when you are near baba j miss you.” [sic]
When people started questioning if they were back together, he confirmed: “yes we still together, keep your face out of other people’s business. You know what, look at your own life you don’t judge other people.” (sic)
Angry family and friends then started slamming Verity for crying wolf and wasting their time.
Noel Lewis wrote: “You make gat of us all, everyone supported you...”
Another friend wrote: “Wow, so disappointed to read this, Verity my friend. Don’t stoop this low. He will do it again and he will do it to your kids.”
A relative of Verity’s, who asked not to be identified, says they have not heard from her “in months” but were not surprised to hear she was back with Maart.
On Monday, Verity ignored calls and messages from the Daily Voice.
She first claimed that she was taking a bath and then did not respond after that.
Maart also did not respond to queries.
Lucinda says she is deeply disappointed with Verity’s decision, especially since it’s Women’s Month, and that she was the one who approached them for help.
“I am utterly shocked, how does one begin to look at mediation when this woman was nearly killed? I am worried about the well being of the child. What guarantees are there that the next time it happens, it does go too far, given her injuries before?” Lucinda questions.
Lucinda said she also tried to contact Verity on Monday but found she had been blocked on both Facebook and WhatsApp.