My Money

I am writing this with so much sadness. My heart is bleeding, and I am emotionally and mentally exhausted.

On 25 August, I was ****** by two men. They took my money, cellphone, watch and driver’s licence and bag/purse. I was assaulted badly, and at one point a gun was held against my head. I honestly believe I could have lost my life that day.

I opened a case with SAPS and also reported the matter to Capitec’s ***** Department. Unfortunately, Capitec has told me that they cannot trace my money and that they are closing the case. I do not believe that my case was investigated thoroughly enough.

I escalated the matter to the complaints team, and I was promised feedback today. Sadly, today has come and I am still being told to wait.

While I am waiting, my life has not stopped. I have medical expenses and other essential bills that I have been unable to pay. I am also dealing with trauma from what happened, but I cannot even afford counselling because of the financial situation this incident has left me in.

Is it really this difficult to be a woman in South Africa, especially living in Ekurhuleni? After surviving an experience where I could have been killed, I now have to fight another battle just to recover what was taken from me.

What hurts me most is feeling as though my case is simply being closed because the money cannot be traced, rather than receiving the thorough investigation and support that I believe I deserve.

Recently, news reports have highlighted the devastating reality of women being killed in Ekurhuleni. Hearing that seven women’s bodies were identified after being killed has made everything I went through feel even more frightening and painful.

I survived. I am grateful to be alive. But surviving does not mean that I am okay.

I am traumatised. I am struggling emotionally and financially. And instead of being able to focus on healing, I am forced to fight to have my case taken seriously.

Capitec, I am asking you to please reconsider the closure of my case and conduct a thorough investigation. I am not asking for special treatment. I am asking for my matter to be treated with the seriousness it deserves.

I survived an armed ******* and an assault. Please do not make me feel like I now have to fight alone to be heard.

I need answers. I need accountability. And most importantly, I need help.