MICHEAL Gouws appeared in the Patensie Magistrate’s Court Patensie on Tuesday, March 24 after Chriesteaan Arres, a former employee at CFM Milller Farm in Patensie, laid an assault charge against him on Thursday, January 16.
According to Arres, he was alle-gedly assaulted by Gouws, his foreman at that time, after leaving the sprinklers on.
Arres, who had worked as a water boy at the farm since 2009, says he was given a written list of instructions on January 16. Upon completing the tasks, the foreman asked about the lawn sprinklers that were still on.
According to Arres he said that he was following the instructions given to him.
“He then became agitated and took me to his office,” said Christiaan.
“An argument ensued, which led to my assault. He pushed me in the face, and I fell to the ground. He then scratched my head and strangled me.
“I suffered a head injury and bruises to my neck, and had to spend eight days in hospital.
“I still struggle to sleep at night.”
According to Arres, he was asked by the farm manager to withdraw the case, or he would lose his job.
“I have been without work since the assault,” says Arres. “I do not have food or money to pay my rent. I am really struggling without a job.”
According to Police Spokesperson, Sergeant Majola Nkohli, a case of common assault was opened on Thursday, January 16.
“The suspect appeared in court and his case was remanded to Tuesday, March 24.”
